self-contradiction
noun
self-con·tra·dic·tion
ˌself-ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-shən 
1
: contradiction of oneself
2
: a self-contradictory statement or proposition
Examples of self-contradiction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a characteristic act of self-contradiction, however, his foreign policy is based on a significant overestimation of American power.
—
Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
This, in turn, has allowed politicians such as Margaret Thatcher and Boris Johnson to mine both imperial nostalgia and xenophobia to justify, for instance, the Falklands War and Brexit, without the least sign of self-contradiction or hypocrisy.
—Balaji Ravichandran, Washington Post, 12 June 2024
So a fair degree of self-contradiction was exhibited, even among those who seemed emphatic in their condemnation of Bramhall.
—Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022
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.
Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
This, in turn, has allowed politicians such as Margaret Thatcher and Boris Johnson to mine both imperial nostalgia and xenophobia to justify, for instance, the Falklands War and Brexit, without the least sign of self-contradiction or hypocrisy.
—Balaji Ravichandran, Washington Post, 12 June 2024
So a fair degree of self-contradiction was exhibited, even among those who seemed emphatic in their condemnation of Bramhall.
—Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Self-contradiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-contradiction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share