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.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Sunday warned that military strikes alone cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, saying only extreme and unthinkable destruction would fully dismantle Tehran’s capabilities. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026 Some even think the Fed could raise rates in 2026, a nearly unthinkable scenario before the war began. Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026 Betty, attempting to paper over her unthinkable loss, dresses Laura in her daughter’s clothes, gives her her daughter’s place at family meals, has her daughter’s bike fixed to Laura’s height. Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 Some even think the Fed could raise rates in 2026, a nearly unthinkable scenario before the war began. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 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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