inextricable

adjective in·ex·tri·ca·ble \ ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-bəl , (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri- \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of inextricable

1 : forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free

2 a : incapable of being disentangled or untied

an inextricable knot

b : not capable of being solved

—

inextricability

play \ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē, (ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-\ noun

—

inextricably

play \ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-blē, (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-\ adverb

See inextricable defined for English-language learners

See inextricable defined for kids

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

He argues that there is an inextricable link between poverty and poor health.

Recent Examples of inextricable from the Web

The Recovering, over 450-odd pages and 14 chapters, is an effort to challenge the legend that alcohol and literary art are inextricable.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Writing and Alcohol: A Reckoning," 6 Apr. 2018
China also is an inextricable part of the supply chain for many U.S. companies and manufacturers.

— gary shapiro, Fortune, "Commentary: We Need a Reset With China, Not a Trade War," 6 Apr. 2018
But for others, the politics are inextricable from the policy.

— vivian wang, New York Times, "4 Men Walk Into a Room. How Are New York’s Sex Harassment Laws Affected?," 28 Mar. 2018
Aldridge, the guy who supposedly had no guts, is now inextricable from the Spurs’ soul.

— mike finger, San Antonio Express-News, "Upon reflection, Aldridge has saved Spurs’ season," 24 Mar. 2018
Joy, as is often the case, was inextricable from terror—and all the more exhilarating for it.

— pilar guzmán, Condé Nast Traveler, "Editor’s Letter: It’s Only an Adventure If You’re a Little Terrified," 20 Mar. 2018
The two themes seem inextricable, even when Riefenstahl’s camera is only focused on a sprinter or a javelin thrower.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "One Hundred Years of the Olympics in Film," 23 Feb. 2018
Mahoney: That community—and all its problems—are an inextricable part of DeRozan’s story.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: How DeMar DeRozan Keeps Defenses Guessing," 26 Feb. 2018
Johnson is fearless about stripping bare, but her bold flirtiness is inextricable from her dignity: the sauciness of her mother Melanie Griffith and the marble-cool poise of her grandmother, Hitchcock blonde Tippi Hedren, merge in her.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Review:Fifty Shades Freed Is a Pleasure. Just Don’t Call It a Guilty One," 9 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of inextricable

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin inextricabilis, from in- + extricabilis extricable

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

INEXTRICABLE Defined for English Language Learners

inextricable

adjective

Definition of inextricable for English Language Learners

: impossible to separate : closely joined or related

Learn More about inextricable

See words that rhyme with inextricable Spanish Central: Translation of inextricable Nglish: Translation of inextricable for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inextricable for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up inextricable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

inextricable

Definition of inextricable

inextricability

inextricably

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

Recent Examples of inextricable from the Web

Origin and Etymology of inextricable

INEXTRICABLE Defined for English Language Learners

inextricable

Definition of inextricable for English Language Learners

Learn More about inextricable

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

inextricable

Definition of inextricable

inextricability

inextricably

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

Recent Examples of inextricable from the Web

Origin and Etymology of inextricable

INEXTRICABLE Defined for English Language Learners

inextricable

Definition of inextricable for English Language Learners

Learn More about inextricable

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes