1
as in dense
impossible to get through or into
the ancient temple was surrounded by vast stretches of impenetrable jungle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain
the mysteries of that religion are completely impenetrable to outsiders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in incomprehensible
impossible to understand
the textbook's language is completely impenetrable, at least to me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in tight
not allowing penetration (as by gas, liquid, or light)
the container of toxic waste has an impenetrable seal to prevent leaks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of impenetrable
The Arcadis report finds an impenetrable surface cover outlined in the next option, Alternative 5, to be unfeasible due to the site’s topography and other floodplain issues.
—
Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The chain of events triggered by the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas shattered the image of Iran as an impenetrable and defiant regional power.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
Young people are currently shut out of wealth concentration and face a nearly impenetrable housing market, heavily evidenced by the fact that the average age of a first-time homebuyer has now hit 40 years old.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
For decades, Silicon Valley has maintained a nearly impenetrable legal perimeter in the form of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 1996 law that allows tech companies to avoid legal responsibility for what its users post.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impenetrable
Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The chain of events triggered by the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas shattered the image of Iran as an impenetrable and defiant regional power.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
Young people are currently shut out of wealth concentration and face a nearly impenetrable housing market, heavily evidenced by the fact that the average age of a first-time homebuyer has now hit 40 years old.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
For decades, Silicon Valley has maintained a nearly impenetrable legal perimeter in the form of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 1996 law that allows tech companies to avoid legal responsibility for what its users post.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impenetrable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impenetrable
Adjective
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Aerix claims the result is a UAV capable of sustained, multidirectional motion—an essential requirement for tracking erratic airborne targets in dense or cluttered environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Many joked that the clip explained years of mysterious toy discoveries beneath their own furniture.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Grace can’t see into the mysterious, opaque little organisms until a dead one becomes translucent.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Chloe’s arrival felt almost incomprehensible to a couple who once believed parenthood was out of reach.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The permanent layoff of approximately 300 workers at the Searles Valley Minerals Trona plant will have an incomprehensible impact on our High Desert communities.—
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
China started restricting tungsten exports just over a year ago, and in December called for tighter limits on sulfuric acid exports.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In Saudi Arabia, banks are also dealing with tight liquidity.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There are precious few roads, and nothing is impervious to the whims of weather.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Mar. 2026
-
This plant can grow as tall as eight feet and is impervious to drought.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The three-page letter is somewhat cryptic.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The lyrics are often cryptic and clipped, but bear evidence of turbulence and tumult.—
Colin Joyce,
Pitchfork,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Instead, first-time director Fergus Campbell drops us directly into Cleo’s world — no parents, no rules and every authority figure is obscured, like the unintelligible adults in Peanuts cartoons.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Later audio intel from subsidiary figures is likewise frequently rendered unintelligible by distortion, staticky transmission, etc.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Armed with fabulous ensembles and accessories, as well as her quick wit, Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2026
-
My father’s 1930s interviews tell stories of couples who defied Chicago’s seemingly impermeable color line.—
Dorothy Roberts,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impenetrable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impenetrable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
