UNTHINKABLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

unthinkable

adjective

ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl

Definition of unthinkable

as in incredible

too extraordinary or improbable to believe to most people it seemed unthinkable that such a gentle man could be guilty of such awful crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of unthinkable Factory closures now seem not just possible but likely, something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 But their primitive way of living reveals itself to rather more devastating effect when their third child is born, and Inger commits an act of unthinkable desperation. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 Not long ago, the idea of an undersized forward prospect with 68 career NHL games and 27 career points receiving more than $50 million would have been unthinkable. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 These experiences complement our research on how policies once considered unthinkable can gain acceptance among the public and policymakers. — Karyn Sporer, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unthinkable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unthinkable

Adjective

Within a few years, Torra was playing in metal bands across Long Island, belting out songs by Skid Row, Cinderella, Ratt, and yes, Quiet Riot, with incredible power and force.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
There are so many incredible materials for artists here, all for free.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of incredible

Adjective

The political situation in the United States may have made the prospect of an American pope seem even more unlikely.

— Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
The Justice Department argued the outlets are unlikely to succeed on their claims and urged Kelly to deny their request for a preliminary injunction.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

Ever the professional, Rock continued with the show following the incredulous moment seen by millions of viewers at home.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
California‘s seven Supreme Court justices appeared by turns perplexed by and incredulous of those theories during oral arguments last month.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of incredulous

Adjective

The technique has revolutionized neuroscience by opening up the brain's activity to scientists in ways previously impossible.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026
These Chargers have 13 games left, and identifying potential wins on the remaining schedule is a nearly impossible task.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of impossible

Adjective

Technology, public taste and economic conditions all contributed to its once-inconceivable drastic makeover.

— Rick Nicita, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
The agent claims to have personally witnessed Foster training for the role at an FBI fingerprinting lab, a coincidence that feels both inconceivable and difficult to invalidate beyond any shadow of a doubt.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of inconceivable

Adjective

Independent businesses that once depended on customers walking through their doors gained the opportunity to reach shoppers anywhere, competing with national chains in ways that would have been unimaginable before.

— Dax Dasilva, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Yet somehow, Eric Greenspan has achieved the unimaginable at Mish Delicatessen.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of unimaginable

Adjective

But while critics deemed the character overly simplistic and an ultimately unbelievable representation of evil (Cathy is an allegory for the serpent in the garden of Eden, after all), Pugh and Kazan, however, took a very different approach.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
The barking bunch performed unbelievable tricks in sync with music and choreography, leading to their victory.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of unbelievable

Browse Nearby Words

untethers

unthinkable

unthinkably

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“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unthinkable. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unthinkable

adjective

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