as in mysteriousness
the quality or state of being impossible to know, understand, or explain
the impenetrability of her prose is apparently the basis of her appeal to literary snobs
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Recent Examples of impenetrability
Curiously, this rediscovered impenetrability has come with Nick Pope, the undisputed No 1 goalkeeper, injured.
—
Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Kim Gordon, The Collective A 71-year-old noise-rocker reciting spoken word over drum machines might scan as avant-garde impenetrability.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Scott blends Damon’s close-to-the-bone fragility and Alain Delon’s simmering impenetrability in making this uncertain Tom Ripley his own.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
But for real impenetrability from rain or snow, Gore-Tex or a membrane coated with durable water repellent (DWR) serve as the ultimate barrier.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impenetrability
Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Kim Gordon, The Collective A 71-year-old noise-rocker reciting spoken word over drum machines might scan as avant-garde impenetrability.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Scott blends Damon’s close-to-the-bone fragility and Alain Delon’s simmering impenetrability in making this uncertain Tom Ripley his own.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
But for real impenetrability from rain or snow, Gore-Tex or a membrane coated with durable water repellent (DWR) serve as the ultimate barrier.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impenetrability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impenetrability
ambiguity
Noun
-
This ensures no ambiguity around what success looks like at each stage. Sales Scripts & Communication: Every stage that involves interaction needs structured communication tools.—
Ryan Hohman,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Macron’s announcement prompted other Western nations to follow suit, including the U.K., Canada and even Germany — though Berlin’s position on statehood has left room for some ambiguity.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impenetrability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impenetrability. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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