as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another
she's an incongruity: an impeccably groomed woman who keeps a messy house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of incongruity
Bloomberg cited mortgage experts who said there were no signs of wrongdoing from Bessent based on the conflicting agreements, arguing that incongruity in mortgage filings doesn’t always provide proof of fraud.
—
Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
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.
—Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
The Justice Department list still contains incongruities, such as the omission of Santa Ana, the only city in Orange County to declare its own sanctuary status.
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incongruity
Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
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.
—Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
The Justice Department list still contains incongruities, such as the omission of Santa Ana, the only city in Orange County to declare its own sanctuary status.
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incongruity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incongruity
paradox
Noun
-
Thin lids of ice could have sheltered lakes on ancient Mars and kept surface water liquid even as the Red Planet's climate became freezing, according to new research that could solve one of the greater paradoxes of Martian history.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
And that’s the beautiful paradox of grief, really.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incongruity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incongruity. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
