IRRECONCILABLE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

irreconcilable

adjective

Definition of irreconcilable

as in contradictory

formal so different that agreement is not possible They thought the two theories were irreconcilable with each other.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 irreconcilable America at 250 seems stuck in a miasma of rival populisms that offer irreconcilable visions for curing what ails our country. — Will Marshall, Washington Post, 18 July 2026 Standing in their way is Marco (Will Kemp), a powerful and ruthless commander who also happens to be Balaban's brother, the two men now on a collision course shaped by old wounds and irreconcilable choices. — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Their date of separation was listed in the documents as May 9, and the grounds for divorce are listed as irreconcilable differences. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Kidman then filed to divorce Urban citing irreconcilable differences. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreconcilable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreconcilable

Adjective

Multiple companies now offer products that promise to spot the difference, with often contradictory, biased or erratic results.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Once a false or contradictory version starts moving, a company is no longer explaining what happened.

— Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contradictory

Adjective

The amendment, reviewed by The Times, contained conflicting language.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Taken together, the lack of clarity surrounding his disappearance last season, the pre-draft reporting, and the conflicting expectations surrounding his current injury have naturally raised questions about his latest absence.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of conflicting

Adjective

This time around, both teams are coming in after inconsistent regular seasons, but both have been much better over the last five weeks.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The association with the Human Rights Campaign could create more confusion about Talarico’s stance on the medical issue, as his position has come into question through his inconsistent comments.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of inconsistent

Adjective

The Jazz didn’t play a highlight reel during the game to welcome the center back, as many teams often do for a player who returns on an opposing team.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Skattebo found a crease, lowered his helmet and ran over an opposing defender.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of opposing

Adjective

The movie is fatally twee, a quality entirely antithetical to Ishiguro’s exquisite writing — that applies both to the Japanese British author’s fiction and his screenplays, like 2022’s English-language Kurosawa remake, Living.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Quarterback Justin Herbert is still having issues executing the quick throws McDaniel wants to base his system around, which seem to be antithetical to Herbert’s desire to use his physical tools to extend plays.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of antithetical

Adjective

In big cities, people like this tend to pay rent, which often puts them—to borrow some Marxist terminology—in an antagonistic relationship with the local petite bourgeoisie.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
To MacArthur, solitary reading was antagonistic to the Army’s aims.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of antagonistic

Adjective

In conference rooms and attempts at collective action alike, these two opposite ends of the supply chain often have different agendas and different ideas of success, and many speak different languages — literally and figuratively.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Researchers have used this tool, known as a feeling thermometer, for decades to measure how Americans feel about different groups, including people of color, gay and lesbian people and members of the opposite political party.

— Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of opposite

Browse Nearby Words

irreality

irreconcilable

irrecoverable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Irreconcilable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreconcilable. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of irreconcilable

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes