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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • Justice Department attorneys have argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president's directive would be implemented.
    — Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The morality police, which are often accused of extreme policies, recently announced a statewide ban in Sokoto on the use of DJs at events, as well as inappropriate haircuts, extravagant bridal gifts and playing music on public transport.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Von Arx, one of the researchers, said the behavior appeared inconsistent with what OpenAI would intentionally want its agents to do.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities stopped vehicles owned by Metur associates 14 times in the back half of August, with reviews of drivers' documents that lasted up to an hour, van Duijnhoven said, and punishments that were inconsistent and severe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of inconsistent
Adjective
  • Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • The public also received conflicting information and messaging on whether ammonia, a toxic chemical, was present in the smoke.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Major powers have rushed to shore up access to the countries and relationships with Pacific leaders in return for various sweeteners, creating a web of sometimes conflicting alliances that have reshaped the region.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of conflicting
Adjective
  • The tactic is especially prevalent among the department’s elite Metropolitan Division and anti-gang units, several of which have come under investigation in recent years for failing to document the stops and improper searches.
    — Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Green curry, red curry and peanut sauce had to be thrown out as they were improperly stored and held at improper temperatures.
    — Joseph Hernandez August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • This story has been updated to remove an incorrect win total for Dondrial Pinkins.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There are several factors that cause black clothes to fade such as frequent washing, incorrect drying, and consistent exposure to sunlight.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 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
  • Before long, the book moves back in time to shadow the king himself, an unhappy leader thrust into his role by chance and now on the brink of death.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Age came with evidence — every mistake, playoff loss and unhappy ending.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of unhappy

Browse Nearby Words

incongruity
incongruous
incongruously
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Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Incongruous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incongruous. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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