impeccable
adjective
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The word impeccable has been used in English since the 16th century. It derives from the Latin word impeccabilis, a combination of the Latin prefix in-, meaning "not," and the verb peccare, meaning "to sin." Peccare has other descendants in English. There is peccadillo, meaning "a slight offense," and peccant, meaning "guilty of a moral offense" or simply "faulty." There is also peccavi, which comes from Latin, where it literally means "I have sinned"; in English the word functions as a noun meaning "an acknowledgment of sin."
Synonyms
Examples of impeccable in a Sentence
Darryl Pinckney, High Cotton, 1992
His English was impeccable but halting, like a well-tooled but slightly rusted machine.
—John Updike, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 1987
In order to ensure that at least one verifiable Spaniard participate in this critical venture, Mendoza asked Bishop Zumárraga to nominate as second-in-command a younger friar with impeccable credentials, and the cleric selected a Fransiscan in whom he had great faith …
—James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
She has impeccable taste in music.
the etiquette expert was celebrated for her absolutely impeccable manners
Danny Brogan, Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2023
What made Rihanna’s approach to mom style so impeccable?
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2023
The film is a painfully human exploration of the complexities of love, with impeccable performances all around—most notably from Rogowski, who has landed on some critics’ lists as a possible Oscar contender.
—Will Bedingfield, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2023
Obviously, the craft and the technicians on this film are just impeccable.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023
The Princess of Wales' impeccable style has only added to her appeal, leading to an entourage of fans dedicated to following the fashion of the future Queen of England.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2023
For shimmering long-wear eyeshadows with impeccable pigment, Marielle recommends the Patrick Ta Multi-dimentional Palette, NYX Cosmetics Ultimate Glow Shots, and the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Sublime Eyeshadow Palette.
—Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2023
Within these narrow confines, painting with delicate precision, Hendricks rendered a beautiful group of impeccable peacocks.
—Vulture, 21 Dec. 2023
His impeccable productions were one of the reliable pleasures of contemporary theatergoing in Britain and the U.S. for decades.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impeccable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin impeccabilis, from in- + peccare to sin
1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2
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“Impeccable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impeccable. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on impeccable
Nglish: Translation of impeccable for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of impeccable for Arabic Speakers
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