INCONGRUOUS Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

incongruous

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs

Definition of incongruous

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 During the interview, Villa is wearing a ring from her Close Encounters collection, which showcases incongruous animals and plants living side-by-side. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for incongruous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incongruous

Adjective

The siblings-in-law addressed comments from Alli McBee suggesting their relationship had been inappropriate.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Students also need to learn when AI use is inappropriate, when a primary source has to be read directly and when a judgment is too consequential to delegate.

— Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Because the measures in the judge's order are specific to users in New Mexico, experts say piecemeal rulings and inconsistent legislation at the state level could create a new crop of issues.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
The two regular season games against Chicago provided a microcosm of Nixon’s inconsistent season.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of inconsistent

Adjective

With conflicting statements coming out of Washington and Tehran about whether direct talks are even underway, and no clarity on what the next MOU might entail, the oil price roller coaster is in for many more climbs and drops in the weeks ahead.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The escalation comes while there is shaky maritime security in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and as Iran and the US give conflicting accounts of whether direct talks to reopen the waterway were taking place.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of conflicting

Adjective

Critics of Medicaid expansion argued that increasing the number of people who could get health insurance through the program would increase fraud and improper enrollment.

— Ben Zdencanovic, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
The conservative Paragon Health Institute’s president, Brian Blase, wrote in a recent webpost that the HHS report’s conclusion on the scope of improper enrollment is likely an undercount.

— Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

Artificial intelligence can worsen this by confidently directing attention, causing users to stop searching prematurely if AI's initial answer is plausible but incorrect.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Incorrect Brew Temperature or Pressure While rather technical, Mynatt notes that using incorrect brew temperatures or pressures can have a significant impact on your espresso and latte.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

The agent that flagged a bad clause in June stops flagging it in July, and nobody did anything wrong, and nothing broke.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub’s material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

So this became, like, a collective therapy session for everyone unhappy with the government.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Their heated exchange on the field lasted more than two minutes, with Jones unhappy that Szoboszlai had given the captain’s armband to Tsimikas rather than him when the Hungary midfielder was substituted 13 minutes from time.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of unhappy

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incongruity

incongruous

incongruously

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“Incongruous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incongruous. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of incongruous

adjective

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