unthinkable
Too awful fathoming
Unthinkable describes something too extreme or horrifying to consider seriously: The idea of abandoning her children was unthinkable.
It often marks moral boundaries—acts so terrible they shouldn't enter consideration.
The word can also mean simply inconceivable or impossible to imagine: A world without smartphones was unthinkable to them.
Beyond mental grasp
- unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
- unimaginableBeyond mental conception
- incomprehensibleImpossible to understand
- implausibleUnlikely to be true
improbable · unfeasible · unattainable · insurmountable · unrealizable · mind-boggling · undreamed-of · unprecedented
Extremely surprising or impressive
- staggeringShockingly impressive or unsteady
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- stupefyingCausing mental paralysis
flabbergasting · mind-blowing · earth-shattering · bombshell · blindsiding · startling · unbelievable · sensational
Not allowed
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- off-limitsProhibited from access
- sacrilegeViolation of the hallowed
- blasphemousDisrespectful toward the divine
heretical · unspeakable · verboten · anathema · stigmatized · transgressive · indecent · shameful
Appallingly, shockingly wicked
- monstrousFrighteningly huge or wicked
- heinousOdiously, shockingly evil
- abominableExtremely hateful or disgusting
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
unconscionable · unforgivable · inexcusable · reprehensible · appalling · ghastly · gruesome · diabolical
Seeking fundamental systemic change
- subversiveSeeking to undermine authority
- hereticalContrary to accepted doctrine
- iconoclasticAttacking cherished beliefs
- groundbreakingIntroducing radical new ideas
transgressive · unconventional · unorthodox · disruptive · avant-garde · taboo-breaking · boundary-pushing
inconceivable
Beyond mental grasp
- unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
- unimaginableBeyond mental conception
- incomprehensibleImpossible to understand
implausible · improbable · unfeasible · unattainable · insurmountable · unrealizable · mind-boggling · undreamed-of · unprecedented · unheard-of
jaw-dropping
Extremely surprising or impressive
- staggeringShockingly impressive or unsteady
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
stupefying · flabbergasting · mind-blowing · earth-shattering · bombshell · blindsiding · startling · unbelievable · sensational · extraordinary
forbidden
Not allowed
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- off-limitsProhibited from access
- sacrilegeViolation of the hallowed
blasphemous · heretical · unspeakable · verboten · anathema · stigmatized · transgressive · indecent · shameful · scandalous
atrocious
Appallingly, shockingly wicked
- monstrousFrighteningly huge or wicked
- heinousOdiously, shockingly evil
- abominableExtremely hateful or disgusting
unspeakable · unconscionable · unforgivable · inexcusable · reprehensible · appalling · ghastly · gruesome · diabolical · fiendish
revolutionary
Seeking fundamental systemic change
- subversiveSeeking to undermine authority
- hereticalContrary to accepted doctrine
- iconoclasticAttacking cherished beliefs
groundbreaking · transgressive · unconventional · unorthodox · disruptive · avant-garde · taboo-breaking · boundary-pushing
- disbeliefdisbelief, no way, incredulity, unbelievable, yeah right
- unbelievableunbelievable, incredible, inconceivable, implausible, unimaginable
- negativesno, not, never, none, nothing
unthinkablethinkable
Able to be considered
conceivable · imaginable · fathomable · ponderable · comprehensible
unthinkableacceptable
Meeting minimum standards
permissible · allowable · tolerable · reasonable · justifiable
unthinkablecertain
Free from doubt
inevitable · plausible · believable · credible · likely