inexplicable

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

Synonyms of inexplicable

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Examples of inexplicable in a Sentence

He had a series of seemingly inexplicable accidents. an inexplicable desire for ice cream at two in the morning
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.
There’s also a brief and inexplicable detour to Murray Hill and a Williamsburg-y Bushwick loft to remind us of simpler times. — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026 Then again, so is this inexplicable two-and-a-half-year stretch of low-risk, juiceless attacking hockey that Pettersson has just endured. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The boring rosters, the passive-aggressive press conferences, the endless parade of mediocre seasons — cresting and falling with an inexplicable 2021 and 2026 — has been brutal to watch. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Why, then, this inexplicable smear campaign against a film that its accusers have evidently not even seen yet? — John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inexplicable

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for inexplicable

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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 1 Sep. 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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