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

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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 Still, the Smithsonian has never been impervious to political headwinds either. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 Overloading Your Washer Even the softest of towels are not impervious to improper laundering, and overloading your washer or using too little water can affect how thoroughly the towels are washed. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 Crafted from durable high-density polyethylene, these Adirondack chairs are resistant to corrosion and impervious to the elements. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Very much on the plus side, the output can't smudge, doesn't scratch easily, is almost impossible to tear, and is virtually impervious to water, so high scores for survivability. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impervious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impervious

Adjective

Dow stood with three tattooed and shirtless jumpers, weaving white paracord through hooks in the canvas and cinching it tight.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Given the tight timeframe before the election, Sher is seeking both temporary relief and an interim injunction in the petition to ensure eligible citizens are not disenfranchised while bureaucratic procedures are reviewed.

— Natasha Mozgovaya, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of tight

Adjective

Autumn Joy Stonecrop Also called autumn joy sedum, this hardy, summer- and fall-flowering perennial is known for its succulent foliage and dense clusters of tiny pink flowers.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
There was less consensus about the dust kicked up from the playa, which can be dense enough to cause whiteouts.

— Henry Alford, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of dense

Adjective

State officials estimated the costs at $4,100 per acre of paved or impermeable surface for those that decide to help fund local stormwater projects, and said the costs for other options could be considerably higher.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Spain needed until the 106th minute to slip a Ferran Torres shot past the impermeable goalkeeping of Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, whose championship-game record 11 saves proved one too few.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of impermeable

Adjective

California Cruise is even closer than expected, with deliveries slated to begin next year.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

Even during the rut, Infalt shoots most of his mature bucks in the thick stuff near where deer sleep.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
The evidence suggests that back then a thicker, ancient atmosphere sheltered flowing streams and sparkling lakes.

— Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

Child safety experts lauded the settlement and the accompanying pressure campaign as a giant leap forward in the effort to regulate an industry that until this year appeared all but impenetrable to reform, either from the courts or legislatures.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
The space offers guests a rare glimpse into a facet of Japanese nightlife that can feel impenetrable to outsiders.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 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

Roads can become impassable, evacuation orders can change and homes or outdoor enclosures can be damaged, leaving pets vulnerable to injury or escape.

— Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Roads were impassable, and the child's home was surrounded by deep water.

— Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 20 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of impervious

adjective

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