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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.

History is not a world-spirit moving inexorably towards some breezy, sunlit upland of wisdom.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Plenty of bumps remain along the trading roads that inexorably lead to India.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Van Eck is also interested in the indirect beneficiaries of AI growth, citing the example of the nuclear sector that is suddenly popular as demand for electricity generation rises inexorably.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

Low points include a freeze for another three years in the income-tax brackets as inflation inexorably pushes up nominal incomes—a measure expected to raise £8.3 billion per year by 2030 from the middle class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

My feet were instantly lifted off the floor as the vortex continued to pull my avatar inexorably toward it.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline