inevitable

[in-ev-i-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈɛv ɪ tə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

certain; cannot be avoided

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imminent impending inescapable inexorable irresistible necessary unavoidable undeniable

STRONG

binding doomed pat

WEAK

all locked up assured compulsory decided decreed destined determined fated fateful fixed for certain foreordained in the bag ineluctable ineludible inflexible irrevocable no ifs ands or buts obligatory ordained prescribed settled sure unalterable unpreventable without recourse

Antonyms

STRONGEST

avoidable distant escapable later

WEAK

doubtful fortuitous preventable uncertain unlikely unsure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Certainly, given the way the negotiations were set up, failure was inevitable.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

People who confuse reasonable limitations on their actions with violations of their rights develop a sense of entitlement and inevitable disappointment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The results were obvious and inevitable to anyone who never worked at McKinsey.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

But, following the sentencing of Shamo and Khdir on Friday, Evans acknowledged that "because of the profits that can be made, it is almost inevitable that somebody will look to fill the gap".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Clare could not move, could not breathe, for the next thing felt inevitable.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing inevitable

100 Top "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

ACT Vocabulary List

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!