inextricable

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

Updated on: 30 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

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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

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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

Her dream of a supportive lover sets her apart from her fellow denizens of Covent Garden, where the cycle of poverty is inextricable from the cycle of abuse.

— kathryn schulz, The New Yorker, "Broadway’s Original Mansplainer," 23 Apr. 2018
China is an inextricable part of the global supply chain, producing the piece parts of cars, gadgets, bluejeans and practically anything else made by human hands.

— peter s. goodman, New York Times, "Trump Says Getting Tough on Chinese Trade Will Empower U.S. He Risks the Opposite.," 22 Mar. 2018
Which seems to me the perfect physical manifestation of my grief — pieces of Sean absorbed into my own being, lodged in my brain and my heart, his loss now an inextricable part of my blood, my body, my life, my story.

— shannon leone fowler, The Cut, "The Strange Pregnancy Fact That Helped Me Mourn My Fiancé’s Death," 19 Mar. 2018
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

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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INEXTRICABLE Defined for English Language Learners

inextricable

adjective

Definition of inextricable for English Language Learners

: impossible to separate : closely joined or related

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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

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