indomitable

adjective

in·​dom·​i·​ta·​ble in-ˈdä-mə-tə-bəl How to pronounce indomitable (audio)
: incapable of being subdued : unconquerable
indomitable courage
indomitableness noun
indomitably adverb

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Your Knowledge of Indomitable Cannot Be Tamed

At five punchy syllables, indomitable is an imposing word, so it’s inevitable that some are perplexed by this synonym for impregnable. But it’s not so tough once you break it into parts. The prefix in- (spelled im- before b, m, and p) means “not” in an innumerable collection of English words. (How many have you counted so far?) The common suffix -able means “capable of, fit for, or worthy of.” Combine those two English affixes with the Latin verb domitare (“to tame”), and voila: indomitable. Indomitable was first used in English as a synonym of wild, describing—appropriately enough—things that cannot be tamed, but over time the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of invulnerable strength.

Examples of indomitable in a Sentence

an indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life
Recent Examples on the Web To Mar Vista coach Shizuka Baker, what separates Roche — who was a two-way starter on the Trojans’ boys JV football team as a freshman — is her indomitable spirit. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2024 In addition to the variety of colors and patterns available, the trend is easy to combine with all kinds of accessories to conjure up styles that provide a somewhat indomitable air. María Munsuri, Glamour, 5 May 2024 With the indomitable combination of South Bay flamethrower Lucas Erceg and Miller — there’s no better eighth- and ninth-inning pair in the game — the A’s are playing commissioner Rob Manfred’s ideal form of baseball: a seven-inning game. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 1 May 2024 Pop culture is the indomitable force that influences the voice of the masses. Michele Smith, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Yet, amidst the darkness, a sense of resilience and a sense of hope shines through, reflecting an indomitable spirit. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024 Fanny is a more endearing figure of indomitable endurance but no less determined. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 But not having to transport an indomitable presenter between global locations also removes huge costs, dangers and logistical difficulties for producers. Graeme Green, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024 Through dynamic cinematography and a pulsating soundtrack, Waves presents an emotional odyssey that reflects on forgiveness and healing, showcasing the indomitable spirit of youth. Travis Bean, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indomitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin indomitabilis, from Latin in- + domitare to tame — more at daunt

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indomitable was in 1634

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Dictionary Entries Near indomitable

Cite this Entry

“Indomitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indomitable. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

indomitable

adjective
in·​dom·​i·​ta·​ble in-ˈdäm-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce indomitable (audio)
: unconquerable
indomitable courage
indomitableness noun
indomitably adverb

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