incongruity
noun
in·con·gru·i·ty
ˌin-kən-ˈgrü-ə-tē 
-ˌkän-
plural incongruities
1
: the quality or state of being incongruous
2
: something that is incongruous
Examples of incongruity in a Sentence
she's an incongruity: an impeccably groomed woman who keeps a messy house
Recent Examples on the Web
Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.
—
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
In contemplating the religious system of the Aztecs, one is struck with its apparent incongruity, as if some portion of it had emanated from a comparatively refined people, open to gentle influences, while the rest breathes a spirit of unmitigated ferocity.
—Sebastian Purcell
august 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
Both squeeze some juice out of the incongruity of teenagers suddenly thrust into adult responsibilities.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Recipe for a good joke A popular theory posits that most jokes consist of a mix of ambiguity, incongruity and a quick resolution of that incongruity.
—Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incongruity
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.
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
In contemplating the religious system of the Aztecs, one is struck with its apparent incongruity, as if some portion of it had emanated from a comparatively refined people, open to gentle influences, while the rest breathes a spirit of unmitigated ferocity.
—Sebastian Purcell
august 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
Both squeeze some juice out of the incongruity of teenagers suddenly thrust into adult responsibilities.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Recipe for a good joke A popular theory posits that most jokes consist of a mix of ambiguity, incongruity and a quick resolution of that incongruity.
—Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incongruity
Cite this Entry
“Incongruity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incongruity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share