1
as in conflicting
not being in agreement or harmony
inconsistent theories make it difficult to settle on one explanation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
an inconsistent breeze was our only relief from the heat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inconsistent
Smith’s first four seasons with the Jets were marked by inconsistent play, turnovers, and, eventually, the loss of his starting job due to injuries.
—
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
The presence of inconsistent rulings could give Congress greater reason to pass legislation that provides the NCAA with legal protection to set eligibility rules.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
This team is inconsistent, sloppy and soft.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Subcontracting is common among flooring companies of its size, but this practice can lead to inconsistent customer service and installation quality.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
The presence of inconsistent rulings could give Congress greater reason to pass legislation that provides the NCAA with legal protection to set eligibility rules.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
This team is inconsistent, sloppy and soft.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Subcontracting is common among flooring companies of its size, but this practice can lead to inconsistent customer service and installation quality.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconsistent
Adjective
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Following the events of A Palace Near the Wind, Liu Lufeng and her siblings flee the Palace for the dangerous waters, which contain rebels, allies, and her sister Sangshu—though Sangshu’s conflicting loyalties may clash with Lufeng’s plan to keep them all safe.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
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The legal conversation is settled, and far more explicit than other consequential decisions in which the court must weigh potentially conflicting precedents and nebulous congressional intent.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The comparison isn't perfect — stock data spans decades, while trends in trading card values are shorter and more volatile — but the outperformance in certain windows is still striking.—
Brandon Gomez,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
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These volatile, double-digit voting shifts directly contrast more stable voting patterns among other major demographic groups, including the Black and white electorates, where shifts from cycle to cycle tend to be just a few points.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Geopolitically, the world seems to be getting more unstable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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How geopolitical risk remains a wildcard Gold has long been considered a safe-haven investment to turn to when the world feels unstable, but recent months have shown that relationship isn't always so simple.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconsistent. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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