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

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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 Properties with at least five acres of impervious surface will be subject to the rules. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Since her move, Hampton has established herself as England’s No 1 and one of the WSL’s most impervious goalkeepers. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Still, the Smithsonian has never been impervious to political headwinds either. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 Overloading Your Washer Even the softest of towels are not impervious to improper laundering, and overloading your washer or using too little water can affect how thoroughly the towels are washed. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impervious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impervious

Adjective

If Trump does push ahead, his main cheerleaders will be GOP candidates in tight races this fall who are eager to market more ideas to lower costs before the midterms.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Broader cultural adoption driven by testimonials like Smith’s, and tighter clinical guardrails as physicians push back on unsupervised extended fasts.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of tight

Adjective

Morton kosher salt is also very common in home kitchens, but has denser grains than Diamond Crystal.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026
This approach could eventually help make magnetic memory faster, denser, and more energy efficient.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of dense

Adjective

But as the AfD gains clout through regional elections, the debate within the CDU over exactly how impermeable that firewall should be is also intensifying.

— Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
As communities grow, natural landscapes are frequently replaced by roads, parking lots, rooftops and other impermeable surfaces.

— Patty Templeton-Jones, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of impermeable

Adjective

If the ’90s were all about thick lifestyle shoes—think basketball- and hip-hop-influenced styles like the Air Force Ones or Air Jordans—today’s models are about hugging the foot.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Aritzia’s fall lineup is stacked with delicious jacket options, including this boxy, cropped jacket made of a thick, soft goat suede.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

Though Best Original Song can seem impenetrable, as the Music Branch that determines the shortlist and nominees for the category has its own insular politics, Swift has inched her way closer to a nomination with every song she’s written for a film.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2026
Director Padraic McKinley’s debut feature stars Ethan Hawke as a battle-scarred veteran hired to smuggle a fortune in gold across 100 miles of impenetrable wilderness.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of impenetrable

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

Some streets in Norfolk, Virginia, were closed Wednesday due to flooding and several are expected to be impassable during high tide Thursday, City Councilman Thomas Smigiel said in a social media post.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
About 40 miles south of Newcomb in the small community of Mexican Springs, flooding made many dirt and gravel roads impassable, stranding some families and leaving others unable to reach home.

— Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impervious

adjective

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