indomitable

in·dom·i·ta·ble | \ in-ˈdä-mə-tə-bəl

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Definition of indomitable

: incapable of being subdued : unconquerable indomitable courage

Other Words from indomitable Synonyms & Antonyms Your Knowledge of Indomitable Can Not Be Tamed More Example Sentences Learn More about indomitable

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Your Knowledge of Indomitable Can Not Be Tamed

The prefix in- means "not in numerous English words (think of "indecent," "indecisive," "inconvenient," and "infallible"). When "in-" teamed up with the Latin domitare ("to tame"), the result was a word meaning "unable to be tamed." "Indomitable" was first used in English in the 1600s as a synonym of "wild," but over time its sense of untamability turned from a problem to a virtue. By the 1800s, "indomitable" was being used for people whose courage and persistence helped them to succeed in difficult situations.

Examples of indomitable in a Sentence

an indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life

Recent Examples on the Web China’s indomitable punters now hope that a trundling taurus has at last arrived. — The Economist, "A new bull market in China Stockmarket mania comes to China again. Can it last this time?," 7 July 2020 Asterix is indomitable, however, because his druid friend Getafix gives him a special potion to drink. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "Asterix Comes to America," 16 June 2020 These two indomitable wills were now set in ironclad opposition. — Steve Donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor, "‘The Hour of Fate’ untangles complex trust-busting history," 12 June 2020 The appetite for the joys of structured sightseeing is indomitable. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, "The Coronavirus Crisis Reveals New York at Its Best and Worst," 23 Mar. 2020 So Romans have suddenly become indomitable runners. — Michele Masneri, Wired, "On Lockdown in Rome: A Preview of American Life in 11 Days," 16 Mar. 2020 In 2019, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg proved indomitable in Games 1 and 2 and 6 and 7. — Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, "First sign-stealing, now shine-stealing: Nationals are plenty miffed at 'cheating' Astros," 14 Feb. 2020 Yet along come the Houston Astros, who have dominated a sport meant to be indomitable, winning 315 games and a World Series title the past three seasons along with another, far uglier distinction. — Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, "Injured parties, defiant execs and a tainted title: Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal checks all the boxes," 15 Jan. 2020 The Brit enjoyed an indomitable run in the last decade, peppered by record-smashing stadium tours and more hits than a Mike Tyson highlights video. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, "Ed Sheeran, Gotye, Adele and INXS Dominate Australia's Decade-End Charts," 10 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indomitable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Indonesian cinnamon

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Last Updated

10 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Indomitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indomitable. Accessed 3 Aug. 2020.

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