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

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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

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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 The place had inscrutable stoner-eclectic décor, with pictures of Salvador Dalí on serving-tray papers and a Rastafarian lion statuette on the counter. — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Mars forms a challenging square to Saturn on September 1, putting pressure on your deadlines and stressing you out with weird, inscrutable coworker aggression. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 But, practically speaking, none of it is imaginable or executable without digital technologies that are fundamentally black-boxed, inscrutable to individual cops on the beat and institutional decision-makers alike. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 Up in the directors’ box, sporting director Andrea Berta wore an inscrutable expression as the game flowed. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inscrutable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inscrutable

Adjective

Someone who has regarded filmmaking as a mysterious occupation might begin to see a way into it.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
But despite these regular airings, the origin of the mysterious Jardine Star Brooch has remained tantalizingly unexplained for decades.

— Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of mysterious

Adjective

But the future of early-career employment is increasingly ambiguous, largely due to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
From here on out, the authorship of Tae-ju’s life is ambiguous, as well as constantly in flux, buffeted by the whims and suggestions of others, as well as by her own impulses.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of ambiguous

Adjective

The cryptic eco-disaster project will represent a loss of hundreds of millions when all is said and done.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Emanuel’s cryptic comment comes amid claims that Meghan was in early talks to star in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of cryptic

Adjective

What came next would eventually turn an obscure Medicaid settlement into a criminal investigation.

— Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
There was very little original local production, and people were finding their favourite TV shows through obscure corners of the web.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of obscure

Adjective

Swamped by allegations of fraud, the actions of the company and its enigmatic CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, shone a harsh light on problems with scientific start-ups.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
That's especially prevalent in the Oversized Graphic T-Shirt with enigmatic dates on the back -- those are already causing a stir in the fan community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of enigmatic

Adjective

Nordic drama is still often associated internationally with crime, darker tones and a certain visual restraint.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Campaign images show close-fitting cycling jerseys paired with dark shorts, with prints ranging from yellow-green graphics to blue-and-white patterns.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

Superposition is an uncanny aspect of quantum mechanics that allows particles to be in multiple states at once—such as literally here and there simultaneously.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Cops released surveillance photos of the shooter, whose getup bore an uncanny resemblance to the Marvel character Deadpool.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncanny

Adjective

Chalk it up to my obsession with Twin Peaks, affinity for mossy landscapes, and lifelong fascination with all things misty and mystic; the Pacific Northwest has always felt like a second home.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026
Two translations—of poems by the Indian mystic Mirabai and the contemporary Romanian poet Radu Vancu—seek to inhabit and transcend the history that holds up the present.

— Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026