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.
Because nothing goes better with a hot dog and an inexplicable loss to Pitt than 32 ounces of sour plum Fanta. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 24 June 2026 But the files reveal new details about some recent sightings, along with the government’s efforts to explain what many find inexplicable. — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 15 June 2026 But the files reveal new details about some recent sightings, along with the government's efforts to explain what many find inexplicable. — ABC News, 12 June 2026 The most inexplicable magic of Kaia, Boston’s newest coastal Greek hotspot, is that stepping inside invokes a kind of time travel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 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

See All Rhymes for inexplicable

Browse Nearby Words

inexplicability
inexplicable
inexplicit
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Cite this Entry

“Inexplicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexplicable. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inexplicable

Nglish: Translation of inexplicable for Spanish Speakers

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