impossible

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpä-sə-bəl How to pronounce impossible (audio)
Definition of impossiblenext
as in unlikely
incapable of being solved or accomplished the seemingly impossible problem of world hunger fitting everything in my backpack seemed an impossible task

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 impossible Because this dynamic emerged within the eurozone, where most members shared a common currency, countries could not impose protectionist measures and exchange-rate adjustment was impossible. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 From the training field to the interview room at Sporting Kansas City’s Compass Minerals National Performance Center, the wide smile was nearly impossible to miss. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 Force majeure clauses excuse a party from performance when an unforeseeable external event like extreme weather or war makes performance impossible or impractical. — Ashlee Difuntorum, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 For most Syrians, a simple everyday act such as using a Visa credit card has been nearly impossible. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impossible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impossible
  1. unlikely
  2. hopeless
  3. problematic
  4. impractical
  5. futile
Adjective
  • The two most prominent, Hebrew and Yiddish, have always been unlikely bedfellows, frequently fighting with each other.
    — Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Initial support is near the breakout point around $660, although a pullback of that magnitude is unlikely.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of unlikely
Adjective
  • This latest attempt to move, a hopeless punt to have his contract annulled in order to leave on a free sooner, will likely see anger return at Selhurst Park on Friday night against Manchester City.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ever the hopeless romantic, Ted searches for the love of his life through a constant series of twists, turns, diversions, blue French horns, slap bets, and yellow umbrellas.
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Medical uses Buprenorphine’s principal use is in the treatment of OUD, a chronic condition characterized by problematic opioid use despite harmful consequences.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Fire Center said in its update that those conditions could be problematic for firefighters.
    — Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of problematic
Adjective
  • Force majeure clauses excuse a party from performance when an unforeseeable external event like extreme weather or war makes performance impossible or impractical.
    — Ashlee Difuntorum, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There is no justification for American deaths in the name of the unsustainable and impractical goal of total military dominance, let alone unnecessary wars of choice.
    — Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of impractical
Adjective
  • In sick bay, M’Benga tries to remove the table and end his life so Chapel can give up on him, an effort that proves futile.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Its storyline spins the futile, determined chase of Wile to one day capture Roadrunner as something admirable, and applies that underdog mentality to the average person trying to navigate a late capitalist landscape that values profits over people.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of futile

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impossible
impossibly
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Cite this Entry

“Impossible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impossible. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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