inconceivable

adjective

in·​con·​ceiv·​able ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
Synonyms of inconceivable
: not conceivable: such as
a
: unbelievable
It's inconceivable they survived the crash.
b
: impossible to comprehend
… a work of inconceivable difficulty and labour …—Mary W. Shelley
inconceivability
ˌin-kən-ˌsē-və-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
noun
inconceivableness
ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl-nəs How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
noun
inconceivably
ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-blē How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of inconceivable

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Examples of inconceivable in a Sentence

The fire caused an inconceivable amount of damage. After coming this far, to quit now would be inconceivable.
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconceivable was in 1624

Rhymes for inconceivable

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Browse Nearby Words

inconceivability
inconceivable
in concert
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Cite this Entry

“Inconceivable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconceivable. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inconceivable

adjective
in·​con·​ceiv·​able ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
: impossible to imagine or believe
inconceivably
-blē How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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