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Synonyms

irresistible

American  
[ir-i-zis-tuh-buhl] / ˌɪr ɪˈzɪs tə bəl /

adjective

  1. not resistible; incapable of being resisted or withstood.

    an irresistible impulse.

  2. lovable, especially calling forth feelings of protective love.

    an irresistible puppy.

  3. enticing; tempting to possess.

    an irresistible necklace.


noun

  1. an irresistible person or thing.

irresistible British  
/ ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl /

adjective

  1. not able to be resisted or refused; overpowering

    an irresistible impulse

  2. very fascinating or alluring

    an irresistible woman

"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

Other Word Forms

  • irresistibility noun
  • irresistibleness noun
  • irresistibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of irresistible

From the Medieval Latin word irresistibilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See ir- 2, resistible

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.

Borderline too dark in the way that makes something irresistible.

From Salon

Still, the apocalyptic folk tales offer an irresistible fable for the times.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hockey is irresistible theater, and Olympic hockey is its zenith expression.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This coin captures everything we love about him, that unmistakable mischievous grin, his furry pal Gnasher by his side and that irresistible spirit of rebellion that has made him a favourite across generations," she said.

From BBC

Most beloved vegetable dishes have a little flourish — one element that tips them from virtuous to irresistible.

From Salon