Other Ways to Say “Doesn’t Make Sense”

When something doesn’t make sense, it means it is confusing, illogical, or hard to understand. Whether you’re writing, speaking professionally, or just trying to sound more articulate, using alternative phrases can help you better express confusion or lack of clarity.

Common Alternatives to “Doesn’t Make Sense”

• It’s unclear
• It’s confusing
• It’s illogical
• It doesn’t add up
• It’s not coherent
• It’s contradictory
• It lacks logic
• It’s hard to follow
• It seems off
• It’s puzzling

Formal Ways to Say “Doesn’t Make Sense”

• This appears inconsistent
• This lacks clarity
• This argument is flawed
• This statement is incongruous
• This does not follow logically

Casual or Conversational Alternatives

• That’s weird
• That’s messed up
• That’s not right
• I don’t get it
• That’s kind of whack

Contextual Examples

Original Phrase	Alternative	Usage
This doesn’t make sense.	This doesn’t add up.	“The numbers don’t match — something doesn’t add up.”
That explanation doesn’t make sense.	That explanation is unclear.	“Can you rephrase that? It’s a bit unclear.”
It doesn’t make sense to me.	I’m having trouble understanding this.	“I’m having trouble understanding this concept.”

Conclusion

Using alternatives to “doesn’t make sense” helps you express confusion more precisely and appropriately for different contexts. Whether you’re aiming for professionalism, clarity, or casual tone, the right phrase can enhance your communication.

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