as in insuperable
incapable of being defeated, overcome, or subdued
the familiar story of the underdog who ultimately triumphs despite insurmountable odds
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Recent Examples of insurmountable
Ohio State is a blue-blood monolith of roster talent and depth that seems insurmountable.
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The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
The potential for a proper revival was immense, but the challenge—and the cost—seemed insurmountable.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
When the effort failed in 1969, British troops arrived to keep the peace, but ultimately ushered in the mounting violence and upheaval of The Troubles, leading to a 30-year military occupation and unyielding, seemingly insurmountable entrenchment by both unionists and loyalists.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
The Knicks have now dropped four of their last six games, but there were positives to take from the loss, most notably the heart the team showed fighting back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit to nearly steal a win from the Bulls.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insurmountable 
The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
The potential for a proper revival was immense, but the challenge—and the cost—seemed insurmountable.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
When the effort failed in 1969, British troops arrived to keep the peace, but ultimately ushered in the mounting violence and upheaval of The Troubles, leading to a 30-year military occupation and unyielding, seemingly insurmountable entrenchment by both unionists and loyalists.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
The Knicks have now dropped four of their last six games, but there were positives to take from the loss, most notably the heart the team showed fighting back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit to nearly steal a win from the Bulls.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insurmountable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurmountable
Adjective
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Television’s tendency to play down to the masses — manipulating our individual needs for attention, for agreement, or simply to win — is an insuperable problem at this particular, shameless moment in pop culture.Armond White, National Review, 16 Oct. 2024
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Powerful forces were arrayed against him, including Carter himself, but Lewis’s opposition was implacable, though not insuperable.Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Even the most vulnerable patrons of an unforgiving desert can confront tribulation with the command of unconquerable spirits.Yahya Salem, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024
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By contrast, the Tibetan language, which has nothing in common with Mandarin, remains doggedly unconquerable; unlike other aspects of Tibetan life, it has not been tamed, co-opted, or Sinicized.Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023
Adjective
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That counted for something, especially when Djokovic made the Rod Laver Arena his invincible version of Nadal's Philippe Chatrier.Tim Ellis, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
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Murderous snowmen who are invincible except for one kind of funny weakness?Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—or SGA, for those in the know—was unstoppable, putting up a game-high 32 points.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
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Every year, the Sports Power Brunch brings together the brightest minds, most fearless leaders, and unstoppable forces in sports to celebrate the women who are changing the game—literally and figuratively.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But she’s proved indomitable, at least on the surface.Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
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Historic Dodgers overpower Yankees for 8th World Series title Oct. 30, 2024 Seemingly indomitable reliever Blake Treinen threw a season-high 42 pitches while giving up just one hit, striking out three and walking one to record seven outs from the sixth through eighth innings.Mike DiGiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Try something from its $2, $4, $6, or $8 value menu from unbeatable breakfast deals like the Everyday Value Slam to favorites like a classic burger with fries.Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
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The list of mistakes and miscalculations that turned Intel from an unbeatable industry titan into its current ailing and rudderless state is a long one.David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Those who’ve faced adversity may feel the pressure to always appear strong or invulnerable, yet pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout.Marian Evans, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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For the sake of the long-term viability of this series, Matty shouldn’t be invulnerable.Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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For more than half a century, the Assad dynasty appeared to have an impregnable hold over Syria.Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
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There was no impregnable IP, technology, or secret Coca-Cola ingredient.Judah Taub, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near insurmountable
Cite this Entry
“Insurmountable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insurmountable. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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