Inscrutable refers to someone or something difficult to understand. The word points to the fact that people or things around us are challenging to comprehend because of a lack of emotion or expression. The observer finds that person or thing rather cryptic or mysterious. However, this term can also be used for expressions, statements, or remarks besides persons or things. Therefore, this term can be frequently used for verbal and nonverbal expression. Let’s consider some examples to understand it even better:
It means something is very difficult and impossible to find.
Examples
- The politician’s statement is inscrutable and an attempt to dodge the public.
- Her gestures during the meeting were rather inscrutable.
- Inscrutable expressions should be avoided during public gatherings to avoid mayhem during such critical times.
- I think introverts are more inscrutable compared with extroverts.
- I think there are many inscrutable things underneath, however on the surface everything seems good.
- I found his remarks cryptic and inscrutable.
- I think human rights activists should call a spade a spade and should not give inscrutable comments where gross human rights violations are reported in the world.
- The inscrutable remarks by the convener at the meeting perplexed the attendees.
- The old man’s gestures are inscrutable to understand.
- Her smile was inscrutable; no one knew what she was thinking.
- The meaning of the painting was inscrutable to most people.
- His calm face was inscrutable during the entire meeting.
Synonyms: cryptic, enigmatic, impenetrable, mysterious, unfathomable
Antonyms: clear, obvious, penetrable, self-evident, fathomable
Note: The word ‘inscrutable’ is used as an adjective.