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.
This was once an unthinkable security posture. Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Imagining Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong brainstorming with President Ford and other leaders would have been unthinkable. John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 Although Newcastle need to become less reliant on their talisman, allowing Guimaraes to depart would be almost unthinkable, given his importance and Tonali’s unclear future. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2026 Despite such evidence that past population peaks are likely never to return for certain communities, the idea of a city planning for anything other than growth is almost unthinkable in public discourse. Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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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