inexplicable

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl How to pronounce inexplicable (audio) (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli- How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
Synonyms of inexplicable
: incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for
an inexplicable disappearance
inexplicability
ˌi-nik-ˌspli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)spli-
noun
inexplicableness
ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-
noun
inexplicably
ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-blē How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-
adverb

inexplicability

2 of 2

noun

in·​explicability (¦)in How to pronounce inexplicability (audio)
ən+
plural -es
: the quality of being inexplicable

Synonyms of inexplicable

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Adjective

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Examples of inexplicable in a Sentence

Adjective He had a series of seemingly inexplicable accidents. an inexplicable desire for ice cream at two in the morning
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Technical considerations can be discussed, but the decisions that shape an image ultimately arise from something inexplicable. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 When the doors finally opened, nearly every player was sitting in front of his locker, most still in uniform, waiting to explain what seemed to be inexplicable. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Montanans are suffocating due to an affordability crisis, rising fuel prices and an inexplicable war. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 Keeping her husband happy yet oblivious—managing his baby fever with staged fake miscarriages—only goes so far when Martha begins suffering an inexplicable illness that culminates in an impossible pregnancy. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inexplicable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin inexplicabilis, from in- + explicabilis explicable

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inexplicable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for inexplicable

See All Rhymes for inexplicable

Browse Nearby Words

inexplicability
inexplicable
inexplicit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inexplicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexplicable. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inexplicable

adjective
in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈsplik-ə-bəl How to pronounce inexplicable (audio) (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)splik- How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
: impossible to explain
an inexplicable mystery
inexplicability
ˌin-ik-ˌsplik-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
(ˌ)in-ˌek-(ˌ)splik-
noun
inexplicably
-blē How to pronounce inexplicable (audio)
adverb
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