unthinkable

[uhn-thing-kuh-buhl] / ʌnˈθɪŋ kə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

incredible, unusual

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd extraordinary illogical implausible impossible improbable inconceivable preposterous rare unbelievable uncommon unimaginable unlikely unreasonable

WEAK

beyond belief beyond possibility exceptional incogitable insupportable out of the question outlandish singular unique unordinary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

believable cheap common familiar imaginable likely logical normal ordinary plausible possible probably rational reasonable regular sensible tenable usual

WEAK

conceivable credible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A big reason is psychological: It takes lots of evidence to convince people something unthinkable might be about to happen like major banks collapsing, a pandemic or actual fuel shortages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

"And it is unthinkable - but those thoughts demand to be thought and I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

At the end of Euro 2024, it was unthinkable that Jude Bellingham's starting place would be a subject of debate for the 2026 World Cup.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“The significant damage to critical energy infrastructure alongside the collapse in ship volume through the Strait of Hormuz were both unthinkable 3 weeks ago. Both are now realities,” the firm says.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Her parents look to each other, as if I’ve asked something unthinkable.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

unthinkable

Example Sentences

Related Words