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. incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate

2. containing disparate or discordant elements or parts

Other Word Forms

• incongruously adverb
• incongruousness 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

The backlash was immediate from a subset of the brand’s fans, who saw the plant-based sausage as incongruous with the old-country-store experience.

From Salon

“It just seemed so incongruous to zip tie someone in their closet,” she said, “and then bring them a bottle of Perrier.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is an incongruous scene, which belies the political significance of the location.

From BBC

Jukebox musicals, inspired perhaps by the commercial success of “Mamma Mia!,” tend to muscle an artist’s hits into flagrantly incongruous dramatic contexts.

From Los Angeles Times

One month, she would look emaciated, her tiny limbs and bulging stomach incongruous with the family’s relative access to resources.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bizarre 
• contradictory 
• inappropriate 
• incoherent 
• incompatible