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 Atelier series has always been quite dense and somewhat impenetrable for new players, but the Ryza subseries does its best to be approachable for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Sure, the misguided invention is another ding to Jesse’s ego, but that armor is all but impenetrable by now, as is his status as leader of the family’s (hugely profitable) church.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025
Samples with microbes ended up in one chamber, the L-serine in the other, and the barrier, formed using a gel, was formulated to be permeable to microbes but impenetrable by abiotic particles.
—Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
The Jaguar rebrand is either a bold vision of the future or an impenetrable word salad.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impenetrable
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Sure, the misguided invention is another ding to Jesse’s ego, but that armor is all but impenetrable by now, as is his status as leader of the family’s (hugely profitable) church.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025
Samples with microbes ended up in one chamber, the L-serine in the other, and the barrier, formed using a gel, was formulated to be permeable to microbes but impenetrable by abiotic particles.
—Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
The Jaguar rebrand is either a bold vision of the future or an impenetrable word salad.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impenetrable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impenetrable
Adjective
-
This layer also contains Earth’s oceanic crust — a thinner and denser layer below the oceans — and the continental crust that sits above this layer.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The good news As solar cycle 25 is set to weaken soon, the high-energy proton soup around the planet will soon get denser again.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
She's just been visited by a mysterious mate named Donnie, who claims to be a friend of Harry's.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Researching feels incomprehensible or inapplicable, especially as a business owner.—
Bree Manay,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The answer may not be satisfying, but maybe that’s the point: the crime was always going to be incomprehensible.—
Bailey Seybolt,
People.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Most engines with two banks of cylinders have a V angle of 60 or perhaps 90 degrees; with a V angle of just 15 degrees, the VR6 engine was able to fit in the tight confines of the Golf's engine bay.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Size of fines ‘big and scary’ Stephen Shepard, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Building Owners and Managers Association, said the city’s timelines were too tight and the fines too heavy.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Such a war would be motivated, in China, by a politics of identity that is largely impervious to economic rationality and other strategic considerations.—
RANA MITTER,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
For years, decades even, that faux feline impervious to the rain was my secret excuse.—
Domenico Starnone,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the cryptic message, many fans figured out where to find the singer and showed up in droves, forcing Lorde to initially cancel her appearance.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But wait: That angry voice seems to grow louder, if still unintelligible — and is now joined by the murmuring of others.—
John Hanc,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
From our review: Khan’s lack of screen presence, toothless mixed martial arts sequences and unintelligible editing further knock the film down.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These Steve Madden platform sneakers feature thick, cushioned soles that provide extra height without sacrificing comfort.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The moment a Delta Air Lines plane burst into flames on the tarmac of Orlando International Airport on Monday was captured on video, showing the emergency evacuation of passengers and crew as thick smoke billowed from one of its engines.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impenetrable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impenetrable. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share