incongruous

[ in-kong-groo-uhs ]

adjective

1. out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming:

   an incongruous effect; incongruous behavior.

   Synonyms: absurd, ludicrous, ridiculous, unsuitable, discrepant

   Antonyms: appropriate, becoming

2. not harmonious in character; inconsonant; lacking harmony of parts:

   an incongruous mixture of architectural styles.

   Synonyms: discordant, inharmonious

   Antonyms: consonant

3. inconsistent:

   actions that were incongruous with their professed principles.

   Synonyms: contradictory, contrary

   Antonyms: consistent

incongruous

/ ɪnˈkɒŋɡrʊəs /

adjective

1. whenpostpositive, foll by with or to incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate
2. containing disparate or discordant elements or parts

Derived Forms

• inˈcongruously, adverb
• inˈcongruousness, noun

Other Words From

• in·congru·ous·ly adverb
• in·congru·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incongruous¹

First recorded in 1605–15, incongruous is from the Latin word incongruus “inconsistent.” See in- ³, congruous

Synonym Study

See inconsistent.

Example Sentences

But some other inveterate vapers believe that their Juul kickback is fairly earned, if perhaps incongruous with the harm they suffered.

From Slate

The England & Wales Cricket Board are not a charity, but that it has taken a World Cup for these sides to meet for the first time in a T20 international feels slightly incongruous given their proximity.

From BBC

Dressed in sweat-shorts and a T-shirt, with a calmness incongruous with his upcoming performance, Eguino sits on his patio.

From Los Angeles Times

It was jarring and incongruous, especially because the Burning Man community has long been a source of love, connection and communal effort, particularly within Frothville.

From Los Angeles Times

The crossover of cycling into sailing might seem incongruous, but at the heart of the two sports is a very similar culture, Day believes.

From BBC

Related Words

• bizarre
• contradictory
• inappropriate
• incoherent
• incompatible