INFELICITOUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

infelicitous

adjective

ˌin-fi-ˈli-sə-təs

Definition of infelicitous

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an infelicitous comment on the weight of the guest of honor at the banquet

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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 infelicitous Listen to the tone of each, and for any buzz or hum or anything else infelicitous. — Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026 Notwithstanding infelicitous boasting, Trump is a man of his word who will scrupulously honor his oath of office. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024 Even so, the impulse to nationalize the problem will have its own, infelicitous effects. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 Film-school student Haynes always imitates better directors — Fassbinder’s social melodrama, Joseph Losey’s studies of decadence (pilfering the infelicitous piano score from Losey’s The Go-Between, from 1971). — Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 Dallas American politics lately feels like an endless game of—pardon the infelicitous word—delegitimation. — Barton Swaim, wsj.com, 18 Apr. 2023 The New York bill would implement a concept called extended producer responsibility, an incredibly infelicitous recycling term. — Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2021 Despite the infelicitous coincidence of the election date with Easter — which would normally have been expected to depress turnout — turnout actually ticked slightly upward from recent contests, to 67 percent. — Amy Erica Smith, Vox, 2 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infelicitous

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

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

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

There’s nothing wrong with holding on to childhood and being a little immature from time to time.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
Cleveland Police said a Volkswagen Passat carrying five members of the public was traveling the wrong way down the A66 highway near Middlesbrough and collided with a police vehicle on the same road going in the right direction.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 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

Adjective

The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
His reelection campaign has been rocked by the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her senator dad, who says Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfit

Browse Nearby Words

infects

infelicitous

infelicity

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“Infelicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infelicitous. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of infelicitous

adjective

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