paradoxical

adjective

par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl 

ˌpa-rə-

1

a

: of the nature of a paradox

the paradoxical theory that global warming will lead to the next Ice Age

b

: inclined to paradoxes

2

: not being the normal or usual kind

a paradoxical pulse

paradoxical drug reactions

paradoxicality

ˌper-ə-ˌdäk-si-ˈka-lə-tē 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

paradoxically

ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-k(ə-)lē 

ˌpa-rə-

adverb

paradoxicalness

ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl-nəs 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

Examples of paradoxical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Synthesize opposing forces—recognizing that strategic trade-offs are often paradoxical, requiring nuanced decision-making. —Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Sometimes, paradoxical insomnia leads to restlessness or other types of insomnia that can be measured with sleep studies.4 Diagnosis A key characteristic of paradoxical insomnia is that the sleep disorder is difficult to measure objectively. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Frequently Asked Questions How long does paradoxical diarrhea last? —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 24 Apr. 2025

But in established democracies, the backsliding can come about through seemingly paradoxical means. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing paradoxical

• paradoxical sleep

Medical Definition

paradoxical

adjective

par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌpar-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl 

variants also paradoxic

-sik 

: not being the normal or usual kind

a paradoxical embolism