IMPASSABLE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

impassable

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpa-sə-bəl

variants also impassible

Definition of impassable

as in dense

impossible to get through or into the road was impassable until snowplows cleared it

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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 impassable But challenges remain, including impassable roads, the presence of armed groups and the movement of people displaced by violence. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 In a sport obsessed with scoring from the perimeter, her highlight reel, Williams’ claim to notoriety, lies almost entirely on her prowess as an elite defender, an impassable obstacle. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Duneland schools remain closed due to outages throughout its buildings, numerous impassable roads and downed power lines throughout the community, according to the district website. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Through parts of the rainy season, Kio couldn’t be followed by the crew as the plains in the Maasai Mara became impassable. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impassable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impassable

Adjective

Fires routinely sweep Kinshasa’s dense neighborhoods during the dry season, where rapid urban growth outpaces basic protections such as reliable fire and emergency services.

— Saleh Mwanamilongo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
There comes a moment, looking at Evans’s dense worlds, when the eye stops decoding and the mind begins to surrender.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of dense

Adjective

On closer-range shots, Brughmans often adopts a wide base with his chest slightly forward and his arms relatively low.

— Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
In the ninth inning, Ozzie Albies legged out a double off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran (2-5) and Riley followed with a triple off the centerfield fence, giving the Braves the lead.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

David Gordon Green directs the film, which follows two FBI agents investigating a seemingly impossible murder within the impenetrable walls of a maximum-security prison.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Child safety experts lauded the settlement and the accompanying pressure campaign as a giant leap forward in the effort to regulate an industry that until this year appeared all but impenetrable to reform, either from the courts or legislatures.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of impenetrable

Adjective

Playing the American League’s best team, the Padres had the final two games of the series in hand before the practically impermeable back end of their bullpen blew late leads.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
State officials estimated the costs at $4,100 per acre of paved or impermeable surface for those that decide to help fund local stormwater projects, and said the costs for other options could be considerably higher.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of impermeable

Adjective

Dropped catches from Steve Smith, Green and Travis Head ensured yesterday's brief rally in the field fizzled out and allowed Bangladesh to bat itself into an almost impregnable position.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
The shell of a good- sized adult abalone is more or less impregnable to most of the kelp forest’s predators, too strong and too thick for penetration.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

Definition of impregnable

Adjective

Watersports on the lake, racing go-karts down a steep pavement hill, rolling trucks onto frozen ice in the winter to guzzle beers and rip cigarettes.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Bake one sheet pan at a time until golden brown, about 15 minutes (a few minutes longer for frozen scones).

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of frozen

Browse Nearby Words

impart (to)

impassable

impasse

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“Impassable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impassable. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of impassable

adjective

Example Sentences

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