IMPERVIOUS Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

impervious

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-vē-əs

Definition of impervious

as in tight

not allowing penetration (as by gas, liquid, or light) the material for this coat is supposed to be impervious to rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dense

impossible to get through or into the rain forest is impervious to all but the most dedicated explorers

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 impervious Crafted from durable high-density polyethylene, these Adirondack chairs are resistant to corrosion and impervious to the elements. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Very much on the plus side, the output can't smudge, doesn't scratch easily, is almost impossible to tear, and is virtually impervious to water, so high scores for survivability. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 Waterproof materials are impervious to water, providing a complete barrier, while water-resistant materials only resist water penetration to a certain degree before the water seeps through. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026 This proposal involves extremely large impervious surfaces, roofing, pavement, truck courts, loading areas, and supporting infrastructure. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for impervious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impervious

Adjective

The city is considering imposing tighter curfew rules, for example.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
The mainly American mainstays monopolize the market, while denim production has tight margins and is resource-intensive.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 July 2026

Definition of tight

Adjective

Out in the wild, turbulent air swirls these plumes into a chaotic, broken landscape—dense chemical filaments laced through long stretches of clean air.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
This breakthrough could eventually lead to smaller, denser, and more efficient photonic chips for communications, quantum technologies, and optical computing.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of dense

Adjective

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
Spain needed until the 106th minute to slip a Ferran Torres shot past the impermeable goalkeeping of Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, whose championship-game record 11 saves proved one too few.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of impermeable

Adjective

The dishes use simple seasoning like thick Atlantic Salt, olive oil and lemon to enhance instead of masking the ingredients.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Sweltering heat waves, heavy rain and thick wildfire smoke have often made outdoor activities dangerous.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 July 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

At a time when Disney’s once-impenetrable Marvel Cinematic Universe has been exhibiting concerning signs of wear and tear at the box office, Spider-Man is getting more and more powerful.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 July 2026
The Phalanx was composed of men who moved and fought as one cohesive unit, creating an impenetrable wall of interlocking shields.

— Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of impenetrable

Adjective

As recidivist would-be escapees, de Boeldieu, Marechal, and Rosenthal are transferred to an impregnable medieval fortress, commanded by Captain von Rauffenstein, now burnt, broken in body, and wearing a neck brace.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Playing on home soil in a venue that has become an almost impregnable fortress, El Tri will face England in the Round of 16 — in what is arguably the most important match in Mexican soccer history.

— Carlos Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of impregnable

Adjective

After spending the offseason dedicating himself to succeeding in the weight room, a visibly stronger Richard was an impassable brick wall against the summer league guards.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Officials said numerous rescues were underway across the county as roads became impassable.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of impassable

Browse Nearby Words

imperturbably

impervious

impetrate

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“Impervious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impervious. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of impervious

adjective

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