unthinkable
adjective
un·think·able
ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl 
1
: not capable of being grasped by the mind
2
: being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question
Synonyms
Examples of unthinkable in a Sentence
to most people it seemed unthinkable that such a gentle man could be guilty of such awful crimes
Recent Examples on the Web
For many his age, a journey into space would seem unthinkable.
—
Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
Although the mobilization bill was in itself broadly supported, critics argued that some of its provisions violated the Ukrainian constitution, which cannot be changed under martial law and was written in times when a major land war on Ukrainian soil seemed almost unthinkable.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024
Ukrainians contemplate the once unthinkable: Losing the war with Russia.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2024
Such defections were once considered unthinkable but have become increasingly common as the hard right has rebelled against G.O.P. leaders.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
An unthinkable tragedy defines the team’s legacy at Martinsville just as much.
—Jim Dedmon, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2024
Any notion of defeat was unthinkable, an almost taboo topic.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
In Japan last month, Nissan and Honda, facing the looming threat Chinese EV giants, announced a once unthinkable partnership to develop electric vehicles together.
—Steve Mollman, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
Back in the old-timey days, killing off the star of a series was unthinkable.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 26 Mar. 2024
Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
Although the mobilization bill was in itself broadly supported, critics argued that some of its provisions violated the Ukrainian constitution, which cannot be changed under martial law and was written in times when a major land war on Ukrainian soil seemed almost unthinkable.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024
Ukrainians contemplate the once unthinkable: Losing the war with Russia.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2024
Such defections were once considered unthinkable but have become increasingly common as the hard right has rebelled against G.O.P. leaders.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
An unthinkable tragedy defines the team’s legacy at Martinsville just as much.
—Jim Dedmon, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2024
Any notion of defeat was unthinkable, an almost taboo topic.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
In Japan last month, Nissan and Honda, facing the looming threat Chinese EV giants, announced a once unthinkable partnership to develop electric vehicles together.
—Steve Mollman, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
Back in the old-timey days, killing off the star of a series was unthinkable.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unthinkable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unthinkable
Cite this Entry
“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unthinkable
adjective
un·think·able
ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl
ˈən-
: not to be thought of or considered as possible
unthinkable cruelty
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