IMPOSSIBLE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

impossible

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpä-sə-bəl

Definition of impossible

as in unlikely

incapable of being solved or accomplished the seemingly impossible problem of world hunger fitting everything in my backpack seemed an impossible task

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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 impossible The goal is not to eliminate uncertainty; that is impossible. — Prasanna Kumar, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 These long-term pressures on land would be difficult — perhaps even impossible — to reverse, the report said. — Chloé Farand, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Films like The Cove and Blackfish proved that a documentary can make issues like this impossible to ignore. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 But Trump made that all but impossible by announcing them with just five days left in the federal fiscal year. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impossible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impossible

Adjective

Some have academic credentials that would make admission through Harvard’s front door highly unlikely.

— Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Fazio was one of only four senators to oppose the bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, saying the state should defer to federal action that seems unlikely, given the opposition of the president.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

For example, compared to young men, young women who completed the survey were about twice as likely to have felt persistently sad and hopeless, had poor mental health, seriously considered suicide or attempted suicide.

— Crystal Cederna, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Cregger uses first-person-shooter point-of-view shots, with the long barrel of a rifle or automatic weapon lining up our sights; one running gag sees Bryan, completely hopeless with guns, having to shoot the locks off of gates.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of hopeless

Adjective

Behavioral therapies, which are standard in foster care settings, use punishments and rewards to get children to control outbursts, anger and other problematic behaviors.

— Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Together, these layers help leaders decide where an agent can take on more responsibility, where its work needs refinement and where intervention is needed before a problematic pattern becomes embedded in an important workflow.

— Hanah-Marie Darley, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of problematic

Adjective

Everyday routines depend on maps, banking, tickets, transit, rideshare and messaging, and completely disconnecting remains impractical for most people.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
The denominator includes greater speed, capacity and outputs that were once impractical.

— Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of impractical

Adjective

Before the court fight was launched, Edwin Benn, the arbitrator who oversaw 2023 contract negotiations between the city and FOP, warned the City Council that any attempt to undermine his award to the union would be futile.

— Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
It’s also brilliantly written as a futile, pathetic rebellion by men with zero agency or purpose in their own lives.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of futile

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impossible

impossibly

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“Impossible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impossible. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impossible

adjective

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