1
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain
the many inscrutable beliefs of that ancient religion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
ancient oracles typically uttered inscrutable prophecies that could be interpreted almost any way one chose
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inscrutable
Don’t be pointlessly inscrutable.
—
Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Brahms’ shifting rhythms are dreamlike and inscrutable, and Tetzloff handled them with care.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
For many, the mention of algebra summons only unhappy memories of confused encounters with inscrutable equations.
—Dan Rockmore, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Intentional exclusivity These ads are meant to be inscrutable to most passersby.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inscrutable
Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Brahms’ shifting rhythms are dreamlike and inscrutable, and Tetzloff handled them with care.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
For many, the mention of algebra summons only unhappy memories of confused encounters with inscrutable equations.
—Dan Rockmore, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Intentional exclusivity These ads are meant to be inscrutable to most passersby.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inscrutable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inscrutable
Adjective
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But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, her peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
12 May 2026
-
Suzanne is quite a mysterious character.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Text messages in court records show a brief and ambiguous exchange between McCluskie and Williamson that backs that up.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
The apparent conflict highlights the ambiguous rules around recall status and its relevance in a trial that’s been peppered with globe-trotting billionaires.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Thousands of fans have also been engaging with Nikki’s increasingly obsessive, unsettling texts, voice notes and special deliveries after encountering cryptic billboards across Los Angeles and New York, each featuring her obsessive messages alongside a phone number inviting them to reach out.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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The film, which stars Hannah Einbinder as a filmmaker tasked with revamping a tired summer camp horror franchise with its cryptic lead played by Gillian Anderson in tow, is set to make its way to theaters this August.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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District leaders make up the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s obscure but powerful governing body that largely controls selecting judges, party priorities, and spending.—
Adam Davis,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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Joined by her septet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Steven Reineke, Joy performed a medley of tunes — her own originals as well as standards and more obscure selections within the vocal jazz canon — to rapturous applause.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary, a Midwesterner who becomes obsessed with an enigmatic form after encountering a UFO.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Patrick is willing to do anything to help his wife, but becomes distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader (Weaver) even as Abigail falls under her spell.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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The rooms In darker hues with lots of hardwood and colorful fabrics, the rooms here don’t fall into your standard contemporary look.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Forty-four of the 89 counties along Route 66 were sundown towns, communities where it was encouraged for Black people to leave before dark — or else.—
Jasmine Desiree,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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There was something uncanny about the rooms, though.—
Francesco Pacifico,
The Dial,
12 May 2026
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Ariana Madix is set to return as host of the main show, and the parallels with Miller are uncanny.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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The mystic chords that bind us together matter more than any policy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
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Operating within those parameters, the mystic outlands trend extends to some of the world’s most mesmerizing corners.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inscrutable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inscrutable. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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