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Synonyms

inexorably

American  
[in-ek-ser-uh-blee] / ɪnˈɛk sər ə bli /

adverb

  1. in a way that is unyielding, unchangeable, or unavoidable.

    Fate seemed to be working inexorably, relentlessly, to bring about the dictator's downfall.


Etymology

Origin of inexorably

inexorab(le) ( def. ) + -ly -

Explanation

Something that behaves inexorably is unmovable, not persuadable, or relentless: like your heart beating inexorably as the rollercoaster climbs inexorably up the hill. Like a runner heading toward the finish line or a story spiraling to an end, the adverb inexorably is for things that have momentum and just keep going. A boulder falling down a mountain is moving inexorably. If you fail class after class, you're moving inexorably toward flunking out of school. People are always aging, and we're all moving inexorably (though slowly) toward death. This is a strong word for powerful events and forces that just won't stop.

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Vocabulary lists containing inexorably

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Inexorably, Mr. McCarthy drives toward the view that what ails American men is the macho belief that men should always have their guard up, never complaining or revealing what’s going on inside.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Inexorably, bit by bit, the cloud collapses ever inward.

From National Geographic • Sep. 14, 2023

Inexorably, we are losing the summer that isn't even here yet: Graduation and sleepaway camp and family vacations and music festivals and the baseball season.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2020

Inexorably, he quoted a Shakespeare phrase: “Once more unto the breach.”

From The New Yorker • Jul. 12, 2018

Inexorably just, according to the system he represented, the accused might plead, but were never pardoned.

From The History of Tasmania , Volume II by West, John

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