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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maybe the symptoms of his cognitive decline are inextricable from what seemed to you to be his general self-absorption and thoughtlessness. James Parker, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 On the contrary, Poitras and Obenhaus see their human subject as inextricable from their historical ones. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025 Her work centers on the inextricable link between our bodies and land and water systems. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 At least, Shaw says, Palestinians will know that Irish people saw their struggle for freedom and justice as inextricable from their own. Philip Metres august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inextricable

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inextricable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inextricable. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on inextricable

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