inimitable
adjective
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How Should You Use inimitable?
Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances. (The antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated or surpassed.) Inimitable derives via Middle English from Latin inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning "hostile" or "harmful"; those words derive from the same Latin root that gave English enemy—inimīcus.
Synonyms
Examples of inimitable in a Sentence
Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
Getty Images Most Popular Legendary artists including Picasso and Matisse famously drew inspiration from the French Riviera, citing the inimitable light and the spectacular front-row views of the Mediterranean.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2024
His inimitable touch keeps us connected to every part of the view.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
This will change market-by-market but, suffice to say, Green Chartreuse is inimitable.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024
The essence of the inimitable country icon has been funneled into a darling new figurine, complete with a glittering orange bodysuit and bold blue eyeshadow.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024
Engrossing, inimitable and surpassingly vivid, every work in this show (which is rich in Rajput and Deccan as well as Mughal painting) rewards prolonged attention.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
Missing from the schedule was the inimitable Feben, who’s showing her collection in Milan with the support of Dolce & Gabbana.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024
The inimitable Cher is set to receive the 2024 iHeartRadio Icon Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday April 1.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inimitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, from Latin inimitabilis, from in- + imitabilis imitable
15th century, in the meaning defined above
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“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inimitable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
inimitable
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on inimitable
Nglish: Translation of inimitable for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of inimitable for Arabic Speakers
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