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.
The couple announced their separation in February 2001, with Cruise filing for divorce that same month and citing irreconcilable differences. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 Wong and Hakuta separated in 2022, and Wong filed for divorce in December 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 The two were married for 18 years before Griffith filed for divorce in June 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Their date of separation was listed as May 9, and the grounds for divorce were listed as irreconcilable differences. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreconcilable differences

Browse Nearby Words

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 17 Aug. 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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