impenetrable

adjective

im·​pen·​e·​tra·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl How to pronounce impenetrable (audio)
Synonyms of impenetrablenext
1
a
: incapable of being penetrated or pierced
impenetrable armor
b
: inaccessible to knowledge, reason, or sympathy : impervious
an impenetrable heart
2
: incapable of being comprehended : inscrutable
an impenetrable mystery
impenetrably adverb

Examples of impenetrable in a Sentence

The fort's defenses were thought to be impenetrable. the ancient temple was surrounded by vast stretches of impenetrable jungle
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Nate, on the other hand, just needed to show up in something simple but elevated (while honoring Jacob Elordi’s impenetrable Bottega Veneta contract), so he’s styled in a custom Bottega Veneta tuxedo. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026 But the war has also shown that missile defenses are not impenetrable, with at least seven US service members killed by hostile action. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026 Completed in 1960, its diagrid exterior, clad in Portland stone, sought to blend in with the rest of the upscale Mayfair neighborhood while asserting itself as an impenetrable fortress. Rebecca Rose, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 This was one of the city's most impenetrable buildings, surrounded by armed guards, made to look uninviting and unappealing. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impenetrable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English impenetrabel, from Middle French impenetrable, from Latin impenetrabilis, from in- + penetrabilis penetrable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impenetrable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impenetrable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impenetrable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

impenetrable

adjective
im·​pen·​e·​tra·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl How to pronounce impenetrable (audio)
1
: impossible to get through or into
impenetrable walls
impenetrable jungle
2
: impossible to understand
an impenetrable mystery
impenetrability
(ˌ)im-ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
impenetrably adverb

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