unsayable
9.3
So offensive that people do not say it
- adjective
- /ʌnˈseɪəbl/
- NSFW
:
inexpresable
- Many topics are considered unsayable in polite conversation, especially those dealing with personal beliefs.
Examples
-
Faced with deep animus, he decided to give each side a chance to say the "unsayable."
Blog text (26) -
Church Lady got to say things that were unsayable in their little world.
Blog text (32) -
His comment was so offensive that it felt unsayable in the context of our discussion.
-
Discussing certain historical events can be unsayable due to their sensitive nature.
Synonyms
objectionable
vsunsayable
31
6.7
Causing people to feel offended or want to protest
is more extreme, meaning it should not be spoken aloud due to taboo
offensive
vsunsayable
15
5.3
Having a bad smell or taste that bothers you
is stronger, meaning it must not be said because it offends deeply or is taboo
4
7.9
Too embarrassing or not allowed to talk about
is about being so offensive or inappropriate that it should not be said
3
8.1
Too holy to say aloud
is different, focusing on being offensive or taboo rather than sacred
1
9.1
Likely to offend or upset people
is stronger, meaning it should not be spoken because it is too offensive or taboo
9.9
Too holy to be spoken aloud
is used for things that are inappropriate or offensive, not revered
Antonyms
How Offensive
obscene
33
6.2
- Offensive
33
6.2
unsayable
- NSFW
taboo
39
5.2
39
5.2
offensive
261
4.0
- Offensive
261
4.0
rude
594
1.0
594
1.0
inappropriate
354
3.7
354
3.7
Surface Forms
unsayable positive
Morphology
Etymology
Unsayable is made of un- 'not' and say 'speak', and it can mean 'too shocking or private to be spoken aloud'. It is like unspeakable, so calling something 'unsayable' says it should not be said in public.