Definitions

incongruous

[in-kong-groo-uhs] / ɪnˈkɒŋ gru əs /

ADJECTIVE

out of place; absurd

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bizarre contradictory inappropriate incoherent incompatible

WEAK

alien conflicting disconsonant discordant disparate distorted divergent extraneous fantastic fitful foreign illogical improper inapropos inapt incongruent inconsistent irreconcilable irregular jumbled lopsided mismatched out of keeping rambling shifting twisted unavailing unbalanced unbecoming unconnected uncoordinated uneven unintelligible unpredictable unrelated unsuitable unsuited

Antonyms

WEAK

compatible congruous consistent corresponding fitting harmonious matched suitable uniform

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.

“This is more a reflection of a truly incongruous U.S. stance than infighting in Tehran,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The talent show seemed a somewhat incongruous place for the list to be read out, given that one of the acts being honoured was the famously gloomy Manchester post-punk band Joy Division.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Trump was barely more measured in a series of interactions with the media in the incongruous setting of an Easter Egg Roll at the White House on Monday.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

They called the place La Ciénega, a corruption of an Indigenous word and an incongruous name — the swamp — in a desert wasteland.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

It was incongruous, but it was I who felt out of place.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Vocabulary lists containing incongruous

Grade 10, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Brave New World

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: September 29 - October 5, 2018

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!