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

Relevance

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 This brand makes impervious base layers with a chemical-free blend of nylon and lycra. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 To deal with the settling, Peters and his team developed flexible flooring lined with an impervious three-ply fabric. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for impervious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impervious

Adjective

Certain oils can soften dry, flaky skin and help reduce moisture loss, which may be especially helpful if your scalp feels tight or dry after shampooing.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Republicans are fighting to hold on to the Texas Senate seat, as polls point to a tight race between Paxton and Democratic opponent James Talarico.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of tight

Adjective

Charlotte has been blessed to grow at a fast rate, but our expansion has removed green spaces with impermeable pavement and buildings.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Sign up for the newsletter When the rain does fall, Kabul’s hard, impermeable surfaces mean the water doesn’t replenish aquifers, but instead sweeps through the city as flash floods, destroying homes, killing people and rolling away.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of impermeable

Adjective

With six couples, having two separate houses gave us space to spread out while keeping everyone close enough to gather for dinner, drinks, and games.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
These regions could warrant closer investigation, but the assessment does not establish that any is suitable for a future greenhouse.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

If sauce is thick, stir in water, a spoonful at a time, to loosen.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
Kitty-corner from the park is 16th Street Baptist Church, the city's first Black congregation, housed in a thick tan brick building of Romanesque-Byzantine design, which became a center for civil rights meetings.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

But the Broncos aren’t just about putting the ball in the back of the net — their defense has allowed just six goals all season and is led by near-impenetrable sophomore goalkeeper Ava de Leest.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026
Even top experts have found OpenAI’s proof of blowup to be completely impenetrable.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 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

In the meantime, gas and power lines have been shut off to the street, and the road remains impassable by any vehicles.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Near the Town of Boone, portions of Deerfield Road and Bamboo Road are flooded and impassible.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impervious

adjective

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