Definitions

apples and oranges

ADJECTIVE

unlike

Synonyms

STRONG

dissimilar

WEAK

clashing conflicting contradictory contrary contrasted discordant disharmonious disparate dissonant distant distinct divergent diverse far cry from heterogeneous hostile incompatible incongruous inconsistent mismatched not alike offbeat opposed opposite poles apart separate unalike unequal unrelated variant various weird

Antonyms

WEAK

alike like related same similar

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s why comparing stocks’ past returns to Social Security’s risk-free, inflation-adjusted payments isn’t apples and oranges.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Colleges and universities may object that I’m comparing apples and oranges.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

"One has to be careful not to compare apples and oranges" he told the BBC.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2024

Using a twist on the "apples and oranges" expression, Herculano-Houzel explained why she believes their reasoning is flawed.

From Salon • May 4, 2024

It’s like cooking: If you put in sugar and apples and oranges and lemons, when you eat it it’s going to be sweet.

From "Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago" by LeAlan Jones

apples and oranges

Example Sentences

Related Words