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
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Recent Examples of dichotomy
The dichotomy of the Mashpi experience.
—
Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
This week, a new development created a striking dichotomy between how different government employees are treated.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
In regard to the long view of the playoff race, that dichotomy of options could mean the Heat competing with a likely still-rebuilding Grizzlies roster, or potentially contending with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who will be 27 at the time of potential 2028-29 expansion.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Beginning in the 1980s, the short-long skirt dichotomy began breaking down as both options remained popular for wearers.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
This week, a new development created a striking dichotomy between how different government employees are treated.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
In regard to the long view of the playoff race, that dichotomy of options could mean the Heat competing with a likely still-rebuilding Grizzlies roster, or potentially contending with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who will be 27 at the time of potential 2028-29 expansion.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Beginning in the 1980s, the short-long skirt dichotomy began breaking down as both options remained popular for wearers.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
-
Known as the twin paradox, this is the equivalent of identical twins aging differently if one of them were to travel faster than the other.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Apr. 2026
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That paradox is central to the film.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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