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
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
Initiatives unthinkable in the world Ehrlich predicted are catching on.
—
Daniel Moss, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
To do what was once unthinkable in the fashion the Sabres did this season starts with Dahlin, a leader who wears his heart on his sleeve every night and competes over every inch of the ice.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz for the vast majority of vessels for more than six weeks — a previously unthinkable scenario for a waterway that ordinarily carries about a fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies and a third of the world’s urea fertilizer exports.
—Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Also, by making sure those who whack their kids around are held responsible for their shocking and unthinkable actions.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unthinkable
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.
Daniel Moss, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
To do what was once unthinkable in the fashion the Sabres did this season starts with Dahlin, a leader who wears his heart on his sleeve every night and competes over every inch of the ice.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz for the vast majority of vessels for more than six weeks — a previously unthinkable scenario for a waterway that ordinarily carries about a fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies and a third of the world’s urea fertilizer exports.
—Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Also, by making sure those who whack their kids around are held responsible for their shocking and unthinkable actions.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unthinkable
Cite this Entry
“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unthinkable
adjective
un·think·able
ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl
ˈən-
: not to be thought of or considered as possible
unthinkable cruelty
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
