Sometimes, words fall short when emotions run high — whether you’re astonished, thrilled, or simply overwhelmed by something unexpected. Finding the right way to say “I can’t believe it” can make your reaction sound more personal, sincere, and heartfelt. Instead of using the same phrase repeatedly, you can express amazement, disbelief, or admiration in ways that truly connect with your listener.
Below, you’ll discover 30 thoughtful alternatives to “I can’t believe it,” along with meanings, examples, tones, and best uses — so you can express surprise and emotion in a way that feels just right.
What Does “I Can’t Believe It” Mean?
The phrase “I can’t believe it” expresses surprise, shock, or amazement at something unexpected or extraordinary. It can be positive (“I can’t believe I won!”) or negative (“I can’t believe this happened”).
It often conveys an emotional reaction — disbelief mixed with wonder, doubt, or admiration — depending on tone and context.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “I Can’t Believe It”?
Yes, it can be polite, but context matters. In professional settings, it’s best to use a more refined or formal variant, such as “That’s remarkable” or “That’s hard to imagine.” In personal conversations, the casual “I can’t believe it!” is perfectly fine and natural — it shows genuine emotion and spontaneity.
Advantages or Disadvantages of Saying “I Can’t Believe It”
Advantages:
- Shows genuine emotion and authentic surprise.
- Works in both positive and negative situations.
- Universally understood and relatable.
Disadvantages:
- Can sound repetitive or cliché if overused.
- May come across as insincere in professional or formal situations.
I Can’t Believe It Synonyms
- That’s unbelievable!
- You’ve got to be kidding me!
- No way!
- That’s insane!
- I’m in shock!
- That’s mind-blowing!
- Are you serious?
- That’s incredible!
- I’m speechless!
- That’s beyond words!
- You can’t be serious!
- That’s outrageous!
- That’s astonishing!
- That’s incredible to hear!
- That’s hard to believe!
- That’s too good to be true!
- This is surreal!
- That’s amazing!
- I’m stunned!
- That’s incredible news!
- That’s extraordinary!
- That’s shocking!
- That’s ridiculous!
- That’s impressive!
- That’s unbelievable in the best way!
- That’s a shocker!
- That’s wild!
- That’s jaw-dropping!
- That’s unbelievable but true!
- I’m blown away!
1. That’s unbelievable!
Meaning: Something is so surprising it’s hard to accept as true.
Explanation: This is one of the strongest ways to express disbelief or astonishment.
Example: “That’s unbelievable — you finished the marathon in under three hours!”
Best Use: For expressing genuine amazement or admiration.
Tone: Enthusiastic, astonished.
2. You’ve got to be kidding me!
Meaning: Expresses playful disbelief or shock.
Explanation: Often used when something seems too surprising or funny to be real.
Example: “You’ve got to be kidding me — you met Taylor Swift?”
Best Use: Informal conversations or lighthearted surprise.
Tone: Playful, informal.
3. No way!
Meaning: Expresses strong disbelief or amazement.
Explanation: Short, snappy, and emotional — great for friendly reactions.
Example: “No way! You actually got the promotion?”
Best Use: Casual settings, spontaneous moments.
Tone: Excited, youthful.
4. That’s insane!
Meaning: Something is so shocking it feels unreal.
Explanation: Used to express excitement or amazement, often positively.
Example: “That’s insane — you built that app yourself?”
Best Use: Informal, enthusiastic reactions.
Tone: Energetic, amazed.
5. I’m in shock!
Meaning: You’re deeply surprised or stunned.
Explanation: A stronger, more emotional form of disbelief.
Example: “I’m in shock — I never expected to hear that news.”
Best Use: When something unexpected truly leaves you speechless.
Tone: Serious, emotional.
6. That’s mind-blowing!
Meaning: Something is so amazing it overwhelms the mind.
Explanation: Often used for impressive or awe-inspiring situations.
Example: “That’s mind-blowing — the view from this mountain is incredible!”
Best Use: Expressing admiration or wonder.
Tone: Positive, awestruck.
7. Are you serious?
Meaning: Asking if someone is joking or telling the truth.
Explanation: Conveys disbelief or doubt but not always negative.
Example: “Are you serious? They actually canceled the whole event?”
Best Use: When you’re unsure if something is real.
Tone: Curious, skeptical, informal.
8. That’s incredible!
Meaning: So extraordinary that it’s hard to believe.
Explanation: Similar to “unbelievable,” but slightly more polished.
Example: “That’s incredible — you’ve done such a great job!”
Best Use: Both formal and informal; positive disbelief.
Tone: Admirative, warm.
9. I’m speechless!
Meaning: You’re so surprised you can’t find words.
Explanation: Expresses being deeply moved or astonished.
Example: “I’m speechless — this gift means the world to me.”
Best Use: Emotional or heartfelt moments.
Tone: Sincere, grateful, astonished.
10. That’s beyond words!
Meaning: Something is so surprising or emotional that words can’t describe it.
Explanation: A more poetic form of expressing disbelief.
Example: “That’s beyond words — I never imagined this day would come.”
Best Use: Touching, emotional contexts.
Tone: Warm, expressive.
11. You can’t be serious!
Meaning: You’re doubting or surprised by what someone said.
Explanation: Similar to “Are you serious?” but slightly more emotional.
Example: “You can’t be serious — you’re moving abroad already?”
Best Use: When you’re shocked or taken aback.
Tone: Disbelieving, emotional.
12. That’s outrageous!
Meaning: Something is shocking — positively or negatively.
Explanation: Can express either amazement or disapproval.
Example: “That’s outrageous — those prices are ridiculous!”
Best Use: When something feels extreme or unjust.
Tone: Strong, assertive.
13. That’s astonishing!
Meaning: Extremely surprising or impressive.
Explanation: A formal and polished synonym for “I can’t believe it.”
Example: “That’s astonishing — your improvement is remarkable.”
Best Use: Professional or respectful settings.
Tone: Formal, admiring.
14. That’s incredible to hear!
Meaning: Expresses delight and amazement at good news.
Explanation: A softer, positive version of disbelief.
Example: “That’s incredible to hear — congratulations!”
Best Use: Celebrating achievements.
Tone: Warm, joyful.
15. That’s hard to believe!
Meaning: You find something surprising or unbelievable.
Explanation: Neutral and polite, works in many situations.
Example: “That’s hard to believe — she’s usually so punctual.”
Best Use: Professional or skeptical settings.
Tone: Neutral, reserved.
16. That’s too good to be true!
Meaning: Something seems so great it’s hard to trust it.
Explanation: Expresses cautious optimism.
Example: “That’s too good to be true — are the tickets really free?”
Best Use: When good news feels almost impossible.
Tone: Playful, curious.
17. This is surreal!
Meaning: The situation feels dreamlike or unreal.
Explanation: Perfect for moments of deep disbelief or awe.
Example: “This is surreal — I never thought I’d be standing here.”
Best Use: Emotional or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Tone: Reflective, emotional.
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say ‘I Had a Long Day’ (With Examples)
18. That’s amazing!
Meaning: Something inspires admiration or surprise.
Explanation: A classic positive expression of disbelief.
Example: “That’s amazing — you did all this by yourself?”
Best Use: Everyday or positive reactions.
Tone: Friendly, upbeat.
19. I’m stunned!
Meaning: You’re shocked or amazed into silence.
Explanation: Often used for dramatic or impactful situations.
Example: “I’m stunned — I had no idea you were planning this.”
Best Use: Deep emotional moments.
Tone: Serious, astonished.
20. That’s incredible news!
Meaning: Positive disbelief at wonderful information.
Explanation: Used to celebrate someone’s success.
Example: “That’s incredible news — I’m so proud of you!”
Best Use: Congratulatory messages.
Tone: Joyful, encouraging.
21. That’s extraordinary!
Meaning: Extremely impressive or unusual.
Explanation: A refined and formal way to express disbelief.
Example: “That’s extraordinary — what a breakthrough!”
Best Use: Professional, respectful tone.
Tone: Formal, admiring.
22. That’s shocking!
Meaning: Something causes strong surprise, often negative.
Explanation: Shows you’re emotionally taken aback.
Example: “That’s shocking — I didn’t expect that from him.”
Best Use: Negative or serious contexts.
Tone: Concerned, serious.
23. That’s ridiculous!
Meaning: Something seems absurd or unbelievable.
Explanation: Used to express disbelief mixed with judgment.
Example: “That’s ridiculous — there’s no way that’s true.”
Best Use: When you doubt or disapprove of something.
Tone: Frustrated, skeptical.
24. That’s impressive!
Meaning: Something amazes you with its quality or impact.
Explanation: A positive, professional alternative.
Example: “That’s impressive — you’ve made real progress.”
Best Use: Compliments, professional praise.
Tone: Respectful, admiring.
25. That’s unbelievable in the best way!
Meaning: Expresses joy at something wonderful yet surprising.
Explanation: Balances disbelief and happiness.
Example: “That’s unbelievable in the best way — I’m so happy for you!”
Best Use: Positive emotional moments.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt.
26. That’s a shocker!
Meaning: You’re genuinely surprised.
Explanation: A casual, playful phrase.
Example: “That’s a shocker — I didn’t see that coming at all!”
Best Use: Informal settings.
Tone: Light, conversational.
27. That’s wild!
Meaning: Something is extremely unusual or unexpected.
Explanation: A trendy, modern slang version of disbelief.
Example: “That’s wild — how did that even happen?”
Best Use: Casual chats, social media.
Tone: Playful, expressive.
28. That’s jaw-dropping!
Meaning: Something is so surprising it leaves you in awe.
Explanation: Expresses amazement visually.
Example: “That’s jaw-dropping — I can’t believe the detail!”
Best Use: When something is visually or emotionally striking.
Tone: Amazed, admiring.
29. That’s unbelievable but true!
Meaning: You acknowledge surprise yet accept it’s real.
Explanation: Perfect when facts seem too surprising to be false.
Example: “That’s unbelievable but true — they actually won!”
Best Use: Storytelling, sharing amazing facts.
Tone: Balanced, honest.
30. I’m blown away!
Meaning: You’re deeply impressed or astonished.
Explanation: Conveys heartfelt admiration or awe.
Example: “I’m blown away — you outdid yourself!”
Best Use: Praise or emotional appreciation.
Tone: Warm, expressive, positive.
Conclusion
Finding the right words to express surprise or disbelief helps you sound more authentic, articulate, and emotionally aware. Whether you’re congratulating someone, reacting to shocking news, or expressing admiration, these 30 alternatives to “I can’t believe it” will help you choose the right tone for every situation — from heartfelt and formal to fun and casual.
Noah Hayes is the voice behind GrammarApex.com, where he blends linguistic expertise with a conversational style to help readers express themselves more clearly and confidently in English.