Synonyms of inscrutable

inscrutable

adjective

in-ˈskrü-tə-bəl 

1

as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain

the many inscrutable beliefs of that ancient religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mysterious
• cryptic
• enigmatic
• uncanny
• enigmatical
• mystic
• obscure
• dark
• deep
• unexplainable
• ambiguous
• impenetrable
• murky
• vague
• arcane
• confusing
• occult
• mystical
• esoteric
• incomprehensible
• shadowy
• fuzzy
• metaphysical
• unintelligible
• inexplicable
• unfathomable
• unknowable
• imponderable
• unaccountable
• darkling
• equivocal
• supernatural
• unsearchable
• unanswerable
• perplexing
• baffling
• puzzling
• abstruse
• confounding
• recondite
• numinous
• mystifying
• bewildering
• disorienting
• befuddling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• understandable
• intelligible
• obvious
• apparent
• clear
• evident
• plain
• unmistakable
• fathomable
• transparent
• unambiguous
• manifest
• straightforward
• unequivocal
• palpable
• perspicuous
• open-and-shut
• patent

2

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning

ancient oracles typically uttered inscrutable prophecies that could be interpreted almost any way one chose

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambiguous
• cryptic
• obscure
• enigmatic
• mysterious
• enigmatical
• dark
• mystic
• esoteric
• vague
• murky
• unclear
• opaque
• questionable
• nebulous
• elliptic
• uncertain
• arcane
• equivocal
• occult
• Delphic
• confusing
• elliptical
• deep
• complicated
• fuliginous
• obscurant
• abstruse
• recondite
• weird
• uncanny
• incomprehensible
• inexplicable
• double-edged
• eerie
• shadowy
• fuzzy
• indecipherable
• difficult
• indistinct
• disguised
• indirect
• undefined
• shrouded
• unknowable
• puzzling
• perplexing
• cloaked
• hazy
• baffling
• masked
• invisible
• concealed
• impenetrable
• undetermined
• indistinguishable
• complex
• faint
• foggy
• indefinite
• misty
• confounding
• clouded
• inexact
• noncommittal
• shaded
• unanswerable
• intangible
• dim
• mystifying
• unfathomable
• eery
• sphinxlike
• bewildering
• obfuscatory
• muddy
• cloudy
• impalpable
• inappreciable
• inexplicit
• obtuse
• obscurantic
• befogged
• shadowlike
• circuitous
• beclouded
• bedimmed
• roundabout
• obnubilated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obvious
• clear
• plain
• unambiguous
• accessible
• understandable
• unequivocal
• intelligible
• comprehensible
• distinct
• certain
• evident
• legible
• bright
• strong
• sure
• knowable
• direct
• defined
• firm
• straightforward
• fathomable
• pellucid
• determined
• nonambiguous
• explicit
• self-evident
• definite
• self-explanatory
• exact
• visible
• tangible
• appreciable
• unmistakable
• palpable
• blatant
• patent

Examples of inscrutable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this instance, however, Wendy and Candiace’s inscrutable expressions are deemed so disrespectful that the group is now openly gossiping about the duo at the cabana beach day the next day, only to peevishly clam up when Wendy walks over to confront them. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2024

The findings add to the mystique of the most inscrutable part of our world, Vidale said. —Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024

From a young age, David was brilliant but inscrutable. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 8 July 2024

The inscrutable Thompson turned down a fair contract extension offer from the Warriors before the start of last season, opting instead to bet on himself. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024

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