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.

E. Jean Carroll achieved the unthinkable and might end up paying a price for it.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

"On one hand, it would have been unthinkable a few months ago that Jodar could even be competing in a Grand Slam," Spanish tennis journalist Alejandro Ciriza told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

That has led Europeans to start replacing some American software providers in areas such as government services to prepare for the once unthinkable scenario of the U.S. cutting off access.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Two years ago it would have been unthinkable that the pair could be left out.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

It was a time when the unthinkable became thinkable and the impossible really happened.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

unthinkable

Example Sentences

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