inimitable

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl How to pronounce inimitable (audio)
Definition of inimitablenext
as in only
having no equal or rival for excellence or desirability an inimitable performer of violin solos

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inimitable The Dark Knight' (2008) Nolan pulled off one of the best superhero movies ever, thanks in large part to Heath Ledger's inimitable performance as the chaotic, unpredictable Joker. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Jones eventually embraced a broad swath of influences ranging from the inimitable Stevie Wonder to prog-rock virtuoso Keith Emerson. — Dave Gil De Rubio, Daily News, 14 July 2026 Norway’s inimitable striker Erling Haaland is the obvious star of the highlight reel, but one of the many secrets of their success can be found in stoppage time of the game against five-time world champion Brazil. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 What defines her is not only extraordinary talent, but a lifetime of conscious choices — to lead with kindness, to contribute meaningfully, and to give back in ways that have endured, all with inimitable style and great humor. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inimitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inimitable
  1. only
  2. extraordinary
  3. excellent
  4. incomparable
  5. exceptional
  6. unparalleled
  7. matchless
  8. unique
Adjective
  • On the other hand, Hull were relegated, as were Sunderland, with David Moyes at the helm in his only season there, although there were factors beyond merely the identity of the manager.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Leaving home before being forced to For others, departure has become the only choice that still feels like their own.
    — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Something extraordinary these episodes illustrate, in our view, is the vulnerability of America’s highly interconnected fresh-food supply chain, in which one grower or supplier problem can ripple astonishingly far.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sen’s choreography extends this ancient form, adding partnering and dynamic range; her dancers, all trained under her tutelage, move with extraordinary clarity and incisiveness.
    — Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • The incomparable global star Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In Salzburg, Dudamel indulged the Vienna Philharmonic’s incomparable lushness, those plush strings, glowing winds, golden brass, voluminous timpani.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of incomparable
Adjective
  • Its exceptional duration results from near-perfect celestial geometry.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Similar to Abrams, the young shortstop had shown a knack for exceptional, highlight-reel plays while struggling with consistency.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The unparalleled natural beauty and the allure of an active lifestyle draw many second-home buyers and drive the conversion of permanent housing stock to short-term rentals.
    — Nancy Forster-Holt, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Dern’s ground game is unparalleled, evidenced by her numerous gold medals in international jiu-jitsu and submission grappling competitions before focusing on an MMA career in 2016.
    — Brian Martin, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unparalleled
Adjective
  • It is generally agreed that Helen, the woman of matchless beauty who indirectly caused the Trojan War by eloping with (or being abducted by) the Trojan prince Paris, belongs to the realm of fiction and not fact, as do Achilles and other mythological figures.
    — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The pecan version adds a nutty crunch, but the original rolls are matchless as is.
    — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Definition of matchless
Adjective
  • This unique account type has a variable rate that will be more responsive to market conditions, unlike the CD which will hold until the maturity date arrives.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Ganos said the 97 carts are also unique because of their perfect condition, that much like comic books or sports cards, often sell higher.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unique

Browse Nearby Words

inimical
inimitable
iniquities
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimitable. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on inimitable

Nglish: Translation of inimitable for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of oxymoron

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All