uncongenial

adjective

ˌən-kən-ˈjē-nyəl How to pronounce uncongenial (audio)
Definition of uncongenialnext
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses a dank and uncongenial castle that makes one question just how merry old England really was

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 uncongenial Sorkin briskly paints a portrait of a company with an uncongenial working environment and little transparency. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 The experiment was a flop, the living arrangements spare, the neighbors uncongenial, and the couple was in debt. — Brenda Wineapple, The New York Review of Books, 19 Oct. 2022 Someone listening to an uncongenial podcast can turn it off and listen to something else or nothing at all, in total safety. — Rich Lowry, National Review, 8 Feb. 2022 People who have broken down barriers thrown up by law, social convention and institutional intolerance tend to make uncongenial company. — Star Tribune, 15 Jan. 2021 The Guston affair is a symptom of a society-wide deterioration of trust in institutions and tolerance for uncongenial expression. — Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2020 The intellectual energy of the galleries fizzled out in this strangely uncongenial, vertical space that was reminiscent of a shopping mall. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncongenial
  1. unpleasant
  2. unpleasing
  3. harsh
  4. bad
Adjective
  • From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Adapted by Duffield and Daniel Kraus from Kraus’ 2023 novel, this spectacularly unpleasant underwater adventure delivers on its premise with effects that are graphic, fascinating, and occasionally beautiful.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Definition of unpleasing
Adjective
  • And now those still left in the battered city along Ukraine's southeastern front face death from hunger or disease as another harsh winter looms, with no agreement in sight for even a humanitarian evacuation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Despite low winds and little rain, harsh surf continues to wreak havoc along Southern California's coastal communities.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The size of the boat, the distance from the tow boat's berth and how bad the boat is stuck will all factor into the final invoice.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of bad

Browse Nearby Words

unconfirmed
uncongenial
unconnected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncongenial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncongenial. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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