Synonyms of dichotomy

dichotomy

noun

dī-ˈkä-tə-mē 

as in paradox

someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another

her outfit is a sartorial dichotomy: an elegant gown and ratty old tennis shoes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paradox
• contradiction
• incongruity
• enigma
• mystery
• riddle
• conundrum
• puzzle
• antinomy
• puzzlement
• mystification

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dichotomy

The collections showed a dichotomy of heritage meets contemporary life; intimacy meets provocation; belonging intersects with rootlessness, and memories, music, nature, street culture and personal histories become material for visual language. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

His understanding of humans as imperfect complex beings and looking at life beyond the dichotomy of individuals as good or bad. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

The dichotomy of hard and soft is something that Williams appreciates. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026

That dichotomy surely reflected, consciously or not on Schubert’s part, the circumstances of his life and contradictions of his character. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026