irreducible

adjective

Definition of irreduciblenext
as in small
formal not able to be made smaller or simpler They thought the world was made up of four irreducible elements: earth, air, fire, and water. an irreducible fraction

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Example Sentences

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 irreducible Each individual possesses irreducible dignity because each is created in the image of God. — William E. Lori, Baltimore Sun, 25 May 2026 The most basic and irreducible requirements of meaningful transformations push against our wiring because big changes to form and structure introduce complexity, require time, and are defined by paradox. — Brené Brown, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 While reading for cinematography, editing, and sound are all meaningful aspects of film criticism, the star is perhaps the only filmic element previously irreducible to purely digital forms. — Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026 The ceremony opened with a performer hoisted on a robotic arm interacting with projections of environments drawn from international and Chinese films, setting the tone for a festival that is leaning into artificial intelligence while insisting on cinema’s irreducible humanity. — Marcus Lim, Variety, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreducible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreducible
  1. small
  2. smallest
  3. minor
Adjective
  • In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
    — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of small
Adjective
  • While that’s painful for house hunters, note that the surge was the 18th-smallest among states and trailed the 93% jump nationally.
    — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of smallest
Adjective
  • Three other people in the vehicle, including a 6-month-old, had minor injuries, the report said.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The adult and child had minor to moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital, the fire department said.
    — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of minor

Browse Nearby Words

irredeemable
irreducible
irreformable
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Cite this Entry

“Irreducible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreducible. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on irreducible

Nglish: Translation of irreducible for Spanish Speakers

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