inscrutable
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for inscrutable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use inscrutable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
inscrutable expression
remain inscrutable
Etymology
From Late Latin inscrutabilis — in- ("not") plus scrutari, "to examine closely."
Full origin of inscrutable →Frequently asked questions
What does “inscrutable” mean?
The word “inscrutable” means impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious. In plain terms, so hard to read or figure out that you cannot tell what is really going on.
How do you pronounce “inscrutable”?
“Inscrutable” is pronounced ihn-SKROO-tuhbl (/ˌɪnˈskɹuːtəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “inscrutable” in a sentence?
Here is “inscrutable” used in a sentence: “His inscrutable expression gave nothing away.”
What part of speech is “inscrutable”?
“Inscrutable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inscrutable” come from?
The word “inscrutable” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin inscrutabilis — in- ("not") plus scrutari, "to examine closely.".
