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 Premiering March 22 on Netflix, the new biopic Shirley stars King as the indomitable Shirley Chisholm, the Brooklyn politician who made history in 1972 for being the first Black woman to run for president of the United States. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024 The tale of Tracy Turnblad, a plucky, positive gal with a love for dancing and an indomitable spirit, was a surprisingly wholesome John Waters venture. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2023 But, fortunately, the indomitable spirit of making advances in AI, along with the specter of fierce competition amongst AI makers, keeps the wheels turning and the lights blazingly on. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 What anti-Zionists refuse to admit is that Israel is a nation borne out of history and the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people and upheld by international law and global support. Russell Schwartz, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 That first auto transporter acquisition was not just a business aim but also a reflection of Mr Taylor’s indomitable spirit and his refusal to allow his dreams to remain intangible. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 Meanwhile, as Leo’s wife Lucille, Diamond brings a steadfastness and indomitable sense of hope that makes the musical’s conclusion that much more heartbreaking. Christian Holub, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2023 Southern Ocean Lodge is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Kangaroo Island, blending contemporary design with world-class dining and unique wellness experiences at the Southern Spa. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Embracing initiatives deeply rooted in social justice and educational equity, the Institute persists in the pursuit of nonviolent change, equality, and civil rights, ensuring Congressman Lewis' indomitable spirit endures for generations to come. Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 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 28 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on indomitable

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