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
Coachella’s identity is synonymous with the grounds of the Empire Polo Club; Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas would be unthinkable anywhere but the Nevada desert.
—
Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 13 Sep. 2023
The idea of mocking them to their faces would have been unthinkable.
—Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023
In the meantime, ordinary American families are already experiencing shortages that would have been unthinkable in 2006.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2023
So instead of staying home, consider another, perhaps equally unthinkable, proposal: traveling without posting to social media.
—Natalia Molina, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2023
The rising discontent, especially among the younger generation, has seen previously unthinkable shows of dissent – including mass protests in 2020 demanding reform of the monarchy.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 22 Aug. 2023
This reach, previously unthinkable for MLS, illustrates the extent to which Messi’s presence is a boon for media partners and advertisers alike.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2023
In a development that would have been unthinkable a few years ago, there are now four Mongolian men who are competitive enough to race at events like the world championships.
—Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2023
Rich recognizes the major obstacles to reforming the UN but suggests that growing crises and dangers make failure to reform the institution even more unthinkable.
—Roland Rich, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023
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Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 13 Sep. 2023
The idea of mocking them to their faces would have been unthinkable.
—Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023
In the meantime, ordinary American families are already experiencing shortages that would have been unthinkable in 2006.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2023
So instead of staying home, consider another, perhaps equally unthinkable, proposal: traveling without posting to social media.
—Natalia Molina, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2023
The rising discontent, especially among the younger generation, has seen previously unthinkable shows of dissent – including mass protests in 2020 demanding reform of the monarchy.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 22 Aug. 2023
This reach, previously unthinkable for MLS, illustrates the extent to which Messi’s presence is a boon for media partners and advertisers alike.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2023
In a development that would have been unthinkable a few years ago, there are now four Mongolian men who are competitive enough to race at events like the world championships.
—Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2023
Rich recognizes the major obstacles to reforming the UN but suggests that growing crises and dangers make failure to reform the institution even more unthinkable.
—Roland Rich, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023
See More
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.
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
Phrases Containing unthinkable
Dictionary Entries Near unthinkable
Cite this Entry
“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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Kids 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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