INFELICITOUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

infelicitous

adjective

ˌin-fi-ˈli-sə-təs

Definition of infelicitous

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an infelicitous comment on the weight of the guest of honor at the banquet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 infelicitous Listen to the tone of each, and for any buzz or hum or anything else infelicitous. — Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026 Notwithstanding infelicitous boasting, Trump is a man of his word who will scrupulously honor his oath of office. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024 Even so, the impulse to nationalize the problem will have its own, infelicitous effects. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 Film-school student Haynes always imitates better directors — Fassbinder’s social melodrama, Joseph Losey’s studies of decadence (pilfering the infelicitous piano score from Losey’s The Go-Between, from 1971). — Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 Dallas American politics lately feels like an endless game of—pardon the infelicitous word—delegitimation. — Barton Swaim, wsj.com, 18 Apr. 2023 The New York bill would implement a concept called extended producer responsibility, an incredibly infelicitous recycling term. — Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2021 Despite the infelicitous coincidence of the election date with Easter — which would normally have been expected to depress turnout — turnout actually ticked slightly upward from recent contests, to 67 percent. — Amy Erica Smith, Vox, 2 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infelicitous

Adjective

Justice Department attorneys have argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president's directive would be implemented.

— Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The morality police, which are often accused of extreme policies, recently announced a statewide ban in Sokoto on the use of DJs at events, as well as inappropriate haircuts, extravagant bridal gifts and playing music on public transport.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

The tactic is especially prevalent among the department’s elite Metropolitan Division and anti-gang units, several of which have come under investigation in recent years for failing to document the stops and improper searches.

— Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Green curry, red curry and peanut sauce had to be thrown out as they were improperly stored and held at improper temperatures.

— Joseph Hernandez August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Sometimes kids performing things on TV look unhappy or awkward, but this girl seems to genuinely enjoy singing while her dad plays guitar.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
His reelection campaign has been rocked by the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her senator dad, who says Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfit

Browse Nearby Words

infects

infelicitous

infelicity

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Infelicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infelicitous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of infelicitous

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes