IMPUISSANCE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

impuissance

noun

Definition of impuissance

as in impotence

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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 impuissance But all of that will be moot if Washington’s rushing attack is not significantly improved from the impuissance of last season. — Ben Baskin, SI.com, 14 June 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impuissance

Noun

Amid so much belabored meanness, meager appeals to conscience scan more like self-conscious obligation, easily subsumed by impotence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
In the diaries, Pavese casts his impotence into a kind of worldview.

— Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of impotence

Noun

Could Kleist’s conjecture provide a key to their seeming vacancy, their resignation, their helplessness, suggesting that in their benighted condition lies spiritual perfection?

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
There are also horrifying incidents of helplessness and despair, as well as touching examples of hope, faith and redemption.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of helplessness

Noun

The study was designed to examine the psychological effects of authority and powerlessness in a prison setting, according to the university.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
New characters are introduced, many interesting details are offered, yet the narration never loses its focus, every sentence adding to the characters’ mounting sense of powerlessness in the face of such a tragic death.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of powerlessness

Noun

It is better understood as a symptom of political exhaustion and vulnerability following years of division, economic hardship, and war.

— Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
The Touring’s heated and ventilated leather seats and lumbar support helped keep exhaustion at bay.

— Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

Stranger by the Lake is a bookend of sorts to La Piscine, as both films seem to condemn their characters, and by extension, the counterculture surrounding them, to a lassitude incapable of any moral authority.

— Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
The result of this lassitude is that cars still rule the streets.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025

Definition of lassitude

Noun

But John Bravender, a weather service warning coordination meteorologist, said 2026 has yielded a different type of weariness in Hawaii.

— John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, manager Xabi Alonso betrayed some weariness at the lack of closure.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of weariness

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impugns

impuissance

impuissant

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Style

“Impuissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impuissance. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impuissance

noun

Example Sentences

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