inextricable

adjective

in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-bəl How to pronounce inextricable (audio) (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri- How to pronounce inextricable (audio)
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
ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inextricable (audio)
(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-
noun
inextricably
ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-blē How to pronounce inextricable (audio)
(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-
adverb

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

He argues that there is an inextricable link between poverty and poor health.
Recent Examples on the Web The ability to consider the future is inextricable from our colloquial understanding of real intelligence. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 Every culture comes with its own set of beloved tools that are inextricable from the foods that define it. Naz Deravian, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 The director’s politics are inextricable from his filmic output given that former soap opera actor Eduardo Verastegui — Monteverde’s producer, friend, and sometimes star — has become a far-right voice in Mexican politics with an aggressive pro-life and anti-LGBT stance. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 For decades, Belichick's name and the Patriots' brand have inextricable. Jack McKessy, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 For Biden, questions about his age were inextricable from feelings of being underestimated by the establishment. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 In 2024, rap music and hip-hop culture are almost inextricable from the commercial record industry. John Morrison, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2024 For decades, Belichick's name and the Patriots' brand have been inextricable. Jack McKessy, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 As All Physicians Lead argues, leadership is inextricable from quality physicianship. Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inextricable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inextricable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inextricable

Cite this Entry

“Inextricable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inextricable. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inextricable

adjective
in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈstrik-ə-bəl How to pronounce inextricable (audio) (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)strik- How to pronounce inextricable (audio)
: impossible to untangle or to get free from
an inextricable knot
inextricably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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