inconceivable

adjective

ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
Definition of inconceivablenext
as in incredible
too extraordinary or improbable to believe the formerly inconceivable idea that humans could land on the moon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inconceivable When Emmanuel Macron revived the idea, in 2018, a curator at the Bayeux Museum insisted that moving the frankly archeological textile was, conservationally speaking, inconceivable. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026 Beyond the inconceivable mishap, the Huskers looked reactive and a step slow on defense for the entire first quarter. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 There are plenty of inconceivable exploits in the final season of Outer Banks, in ranging degrees of ridiculousness. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 After already undergoing two Tommy John surgeries to repair his UCL, Antone would now need an inconceivable third. — Cal Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconceivable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconceivable
  1. incredible
  2. incredulous
  3. unlikely
  4. impossible
  5. unthinkable
  6. unimaginable
  7. unbelievable
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 title comes from a phrase that became part of his creative vocabulary and began appearing in sketches whenever an absurd situation called for a perfectly incredulous response.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Girot’s son-in-law, a physician, was incredulous and ordered him to see his primary-care doctor.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of incredulous
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
  • 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
  • But empathy for them is still unthinkable for many in Israel, with memories raw.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • No team had ever made the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, so to make it after three in a row was unthinkable, especially after one of their versatile pitchers was sidelined in spring training.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of unthinkable
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

incomputable
inconceivable
inconceivably
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconceivable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconceivable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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