irreconcilable differences

phrase

formal
: inability to agree on most things or on important things
They are filing for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Examples of irreconcilable differences in a Sentence

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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.
Summer listed the date of separation as May 11, and irreconcilable differences as the reason for going their separate ways. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

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irreconcilable
irreconcilable differences
irreconcilableness
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Cite this Entry

“Irreconcilable differences.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreconcilable%20differences. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

irreconcilable differences

noun plural but singular or plural in construction
ir·​rec·​on·​cil·​able dif·​fer·​enc·​es
ir-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl-
: substantial incompatibility between marriage partners that is a broad ground for especially no-fault divorce compare irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
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