incongruous

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs How to pronounce incongruous (audio)
Definition of incongruousnext
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

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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 Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden. — Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 But sticking synthetic turf on one of the world’s most famous beaches struck some as incongruous, or worse. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 This response would have been noticeably incongruous with the time, and it would certainly be read as the intentions with which it was likely written, as naming a kind of politics. — Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 There’s something delightfully incongruous about arriving at Rockaway Beach. — Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incongruous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incongruous
  1. inappropriate
  2. inconsistent
  3. unsuitable
  4. conflicting
  5. improper
  6. incorrect
  7. wrong
  8. unhappy
Adjective
  • During the first week of school, a Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School teacher was placed on leave over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The content was inappropriate and does not reflect our values.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • The lawsuit says the decision was unlawful, unsupported by facts and inconsistent with the military’s past praise of Claude.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As a brief respite, the silly friend in your group chat, who keeps violently inconsistent hours, has shared something that will probably not break your heart, which seems as worthy an offering as any.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of inconsistent
Adjective
  • When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • The news of Sharma's capture follows conflicting reports that claimed he was taken into custody back in January.
    — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Complicating those commitments are threats from the DP World Tour to reinstitute fines for members playing in conflicting events.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of conflicting
Adjective
  • According to the Office of the Inspector General, he was investigated for a string of civil rights violations, including improper searches and conduct unbecoming of an officer.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Mummified remains may also pose a significant health hazard due to toxic substances used in their preservation and microbial growth due to improper storage.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • In between some of the manager’s more clip-worthy quotes, there were more of his usual — and not incorrect — platitudes.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Mosseri said the plaintiff lawyers are incorrect in suggesting that Meta also reduced the number of researchers studying youth mental health harms after Haugen’s leaks.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of incorrect
Adjective
  • Remember, taking the wrong benefit at the wrong time is always smaller and forever.
    — Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Therefore, therapy should do more than help people identify what’s wrong with their relationships.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of wrong
Adjective
  • Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes kids performing things on TV look unhappy or awkward, but this girl seems to genuinely enjoy singing while her dad plays guitar.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unhappy

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Cite this Entry

“Incongruous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incongruous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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