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unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
Synonyms of unthinkablenext
1
: not capable of being grasped by the mind
2
: being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question
unthinkability noun
unthinkably adverb

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
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.
For a while, strategic defeat loomed, with US and NATO aid to plucky, tiny Ukraine allowing Kyiv to achieve victories unthinkable a year earlier. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025 Regardless of Saylor’s intent, the minor controversy raises questions about whether Strategy will resort to selling its Bitcoin holdings—a move the company has portrayed as unthinkable but, in recent weeks, appears set to accept. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2025 In 2013, for law enforcement to investigate ministers and close friends of the president by questioning them or searching their homes or offices was unthinkable. Kristina Berdynskykh, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2025 Even if Behn doesn't win the race ‒ something that would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago ‒ a defeat by single-digits could signal major trouble for Republicans. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unthinkable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unthinkable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unthinkable

adjective
un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
ˈən-
: not to be thought of or considered as possible
unthinkable cruelty

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