1
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
there's an incongruous modernism to the actor's performance in this period piece
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inconsistent
not being in agreement or harmony
incongruous theories about the origins of matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 incongruous
That concept is, after all, incongruous with the ethos and look of Eckhaus Latta.
—
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
There can’t be too many quotes attributed to such an incongruous triumvirate, but then there are few instruments as polarizing as the squeeze-box.
—Jonathan Margolis, Air Mail, 24 Jan. 2026
That apparently incongruous collection of statistics captures the befuddling nature of this rollercoaster season.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The local institution that was Rayner followed an incongruous path to Chicago and children’s television.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incongruous
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
There can’t be too many quotes attributed to such an incongruous triumvirate, but then there are few instruments as polarizing as the squeeze-box.
—Jonathan Margolis, Air Mail, 24 Jan. 2026
That apparently incongruous collection of statistics captures the befuddling nature of this rollercoaster season.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The local institution that was Rayner followed an incongruous path to Chicago and children’s television.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incongruous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incongruous
Adjective
-
Over the following 12 days, investigators determined that Lulinski had used his cell phone on multiple occasions to take inappropriate and surreptitious photos or videos of minors during normal school activities.—
CBS Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
But inappropriate behavior toward and with subordinates is too often not a shocking secret within the halls of Congress.—
Michelle Cottle,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to reinforcing the fiduciary standards that are already in place for community associations, this will help to establish stronger grounds for claims involving unilateral acts by directors, inadequate reserve planning, inconsistent rules enforcement, or failures in management oversight.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe—but the effects are likely to be modest and inconsistent.—
Patricia Weiser,
Verywell Health,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Unless the seeds were stored in a damp or otherwise unsuitable location, seed germination rates don’t decline all at once.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Corn is an unsuitable companion plant for peppers due to its towering size.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Andrew Lee, the founder of Tasklet, told CBS News that such problems can arise when a user prompt gives the AI conflicting instructions.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
In statements to investigators, Bovino and Epperson had offered conflicting accounts of the encounter.—
A.C. Thompson,
ProPublica,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some will argue that directing government dollars toward private news organizations amounts to an improper subsidy of private business.—
Julian Baron,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Apr. 2026
-
His attorney has argued there is no legal basis for charges and accused prosecutors of using improper tactics.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
County officials also said Freidenrich’s management of the treasurer’s office led to delays in issuing refunds to schools, filing tax liens and cashing property tax checks, which resulted in incorrect late fees and penalties for taxpayers.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Any assertion that city single-family homeowners are being double taxed would be incorrect.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Now 43-38, Charlotte has lost ground this week with difficult losses to Boston and Detroit that followed the same blueprint, as the Hornets fell off a cliff in the fourth quarter at the wrong time.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Overfertilizing Fertilizing too much or at the wrong time could potentially damage plant roots, leading to leaf damage and eventual drop.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fast-forward to the April 7 special election brought to a ballot by residents unhappy with the changes.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
-
One of them, Amy, a blond child with limp ponytails and a thin dress that looks like it might have been stained, stands outside a porch door, her fists balled up, mouth open, angry or unhappy or both.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incongruous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incongruous. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
