INSCRUTABLE Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

inscrutable

adjective

in-ˈskrü-tə-bəl

Definition of inscrutable

as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain the many inscrutable beliefs of that ancient religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 inscrutable Some of them led to places that were forbidding, almost aggressively inscrutable, while others were easy enough to read but left an eight-year-old feeling that some funny business was going on behind her back. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 Cornyn wants to know how that deal came together, though his current position on Blanche is inscrutable. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 July 2026 Minutes already had been inscrutable enough, with officials cloaked in anonymity and vague quantifiers used to reflect group sentiment at the meeting. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026 Bodily experiences that made sense in 1776 are often inscrutable to people today. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inscrutable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inscrutable

Adjective

That is, until a mysterious entity shows up who can jump from person to person, as Peter himself is experiencing changes to his health and powers.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
His films explore displacement, time and the mysterious undercurrents of reality.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of mysterious

Adjective

Unfortunately, who qualifies for the Robinhood Platinum Card is a little ambiguous.

— Ryley Amond, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Many leaders in the late 18th century already considered privateering a morally ambiguous practice, according to Michael Crawford, a former senior historian at the Naval History and Heritage Command.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026

Definition of ambiguous

Adjective

At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
As Miami gained steam in the LeBron market behind Pat Riley’s cryptic public optimism, the Heat and Cavaliers continually flip-flopped as the DraftKings favorite to land LeBron during the week leading up to James’ eventual decision.

— Scott Phillips, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of cryptic

Adjective

Perhaps that’s what led to one Manchester United fan to start what must be one of the most obscure player songs in the club’s terrace songbook.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 27 July 2026
The article warns that such high valuations, lacking public financial transparency, obscure true value.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of obscure

Adjective

One of Scotland’s can’t-miss distilleries is also one of its most enigmatic.

— David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
In the first season finale, Kim makes a deal with Lee Dong-kyu, a new and enigmatic character who agrees to take down Juhak Construction for our protagonist.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026

Definition of enigmatic

Adjective

Protesters covered events in real time, filming Instagram reels, sharing videos and memes – often laced with dark humor and jibes at Modi – and posting updates from the protest site.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
The path of totality — the moon’s dark shadow — will cross eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain, from where the sun’s corona will become visible, if skies are clear, for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

Played with tricksy force and a glint of anger in her eyes by Samantha Morton, Circe is at the center of the greatest scene in The Odyssey, one that foregrounds the grandeur and uncanny qualities of myth.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Critics have praised this Dalloway riff for its entrancing, uncanny visuals.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Definition of uncanny

Adjective

Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Definition of mystic

Cite this Entry

Style

“Inscrutable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inscrutable. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of inscrutable

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on inscrutable

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes