Synonyms for

Impossible

Verb / ˌɪˈmpɑ:sʌbʌl / Another word for impossible — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not able to be done or happen

Synonyms & similar words

outofthequestion possible inconceivable unimaginable unacceptable unsufferable insufferable unachievable unattainable unfeasible unimaginable unthinkable unworkable unrealistic impractical infeasible unobtainable undoable unrealizable unviable unreal hopeless unlikely impracticable insurmountable unreasonable

Synonyms by register

Formal

unfeasible untenable insurmountable unachievable

Informal

no way out of the question not gonna happen a long shot

Literary

unobtainable beyond reach unattainable

Antonyms

possible feasible achievable doable realistic practicable conceivable

Common collocations

  • seems impossible
  • virtually impossible
  • utterly impossible
  • impossible to ignore
  • impossible task
  • impossible situation
  • impossible to say
  • impossible dream

Word family

noun impossibility
adjective impossible
adverb impossibly

Usage note

While 'impossible' can be used hyperbolically in informal contexts, it's best reserved for situations that are genuinely not possible to avoid exaggeration.

Example sentences

  1. It's impossible to go to the moon without a spaceship.
  2. It's impossible to make a square circle.
  3. It's impossible to grow a tree in one day.
  4. It's impossible to run faster than the speed of light.
  5. It's impossible to breathe underwater.

Quotes

  • The word 'impossible' is not in my dictionary. - Napoleon Bonaparte
  • Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'! - Audrey Hepburn
  • Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. - David Beckham

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words