unknowable

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

Examples of unknowable in a Sentence

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.
Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 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 Ginsburg misjudged an unknowable future; Biden failed to respond to a visible present. — Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unknowable

Word History

First Known Use

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 5 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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