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Synonyms

inexorable

American  
[in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] / ɪnˈɛk sər ə bəl /

adjective

  1. unyielding; unalterable.

    inexorable truth;

    inexorable justice.

  2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties.

    an inexorable creditor.

    Synonyms:
    pitiless, cruel, merciless, implacable, unrelenting, unbending
    Antonyms:
    flexible, merciful

inexorable British  
/ ɪnˈɛksərəbəl /

adjective

  1. not able to be moved by entreaty or persuasion

  2. relentless

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See inflexible.

Other Word Forms

  • inexorability noun
  • inexorableness noun
  • inexorably adverb

Etymology

Origin of inexorable

From the Latin word inexōrābilis, dating back to 1545–55. See in- 3, exorable

Explanation

When a person is inexorable, they're stubborn. When a thing or process is inexorable, it can't be stopped. This is a word for people and things that will not change direction. An inexorable person is hard-headed and cannot be convinced to change their mind, no matter what. You can also say that a process, like the progress of a deadly illness, is inexorable because it can't be stopped. A speeding train with no brakes is inexorable; it's not stopping till it crashes. When you see the word inexorable, think "No one's stopping that."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing inexorable

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.

Innovation is inexorable, and much of it is essential to enhance banking-system inclusion, efficiency, and pricing.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

A limited supply does not guarantee an inexorable rise.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 2025

The result of the inexorable reticle limit is the end of chips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

I would love for you both to say why it is that you think that, as chilling as this moment is, there are things that can be done, this is not inevitable or inexorable?

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

Dunwing leaned back, trying to dig her claws in somewhere to check the inexorable slide.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques