unknowable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​know·​able ˌən-ˈnō-ə-bəl How to pronounce unknowable (audio)
Synonyms of unknowablenext
: not knowable
especially : lying beyond the limits of human experience or understanding
unknowability
ˌən-ˌnō-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unknowable (audio)
noun

unknowability

2 of 2

noun

un·​knowability ¦ən+ How to pronounce unknowability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unknowable

Examples of unknowable in a Sentence

Adjective a God whose nature is unknown and unknowable
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.
Adjective
Ariana Grande, the pop star and actor, is also a person, of flesh and blood, but unknowable beyond that bare fact from the vantage of a stranger, no matter the ubiquity of her image. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026 The unknowable force that does not lend itself to hope, prayer, diligent actions, good intentions or rigorous effort. — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 As Nora’s speech and Catherine’s kind moments suggest, characters’ actions don’t consistently reflect their overall moral stance, which is often based on misunderstandings and falsehoods, its validity unknowable even to them. — Judy Berman, Time, 27 July 2026 Messi spent two decades becoming famous while remaining almost unknowable. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unknowable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for unknowable

See All Rhymes for unknowable

Browse Nearby Words

unknowability
unknowable
unknowen
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Cite this Entry

“Unknowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowable. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unknowable

adjective
un·​know·​able ˌən-ˈnō-ə-bəl How to pronounce unknowable (audio)
ˈən-
: not knowable
some facts in the case may remain unknowable

More from Merriam-Webster on unknowable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unknowable

Nglish: Translation of unknowable for Spanish Speakers

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