Definition of paradoxnext
as in dichotomy
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another the paradox of fighting a war for peace

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of paradox Four decisions released this week have that paradox at their core. Leah Litman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 The comparison trap and paradox of tools Our study looked at several forces that drive this burnout. Ashley Hass, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 Here is what the paradox of choice actually is, why your closet is one of its purest examples and what to do about it. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 The paradox of choice means piling on more options will not get you there, so the answer is a little structure, not a bigger pile. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
Noun
  • This kind of relationship made the lives of people living in ancient times unproblematic in terms of the dichotomy between the transcendent and the space of reality.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • The Street loves the latter model, the public loves the former, and is oblivious to the dichotomy.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The aesthetic details of what will happen beyond the loading docks have been shrouded in mystery.
    Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Now, the historical society hopes community members hold the final missing pieces to the mystery.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, is infamous for a contradiction.
    James Doubek, NPR, 3 July 2026
  • Jefferson’s contradictions date back through much of American history; he was claimed by both sides of the Civil War and both sides of the civil rights movement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • SpaceX, however, took the flexible lockup approach, wrapped it in a puzzle, strapped it to an enigma, and sent it to live in a colony on Mars.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • In 2024, now grown and with her adoptive father’s approval, the young woman sets off with a wealthy merchant to piece together the historical enigmas surrounding the ancient Sumpa kingdom.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Irony involves incongruity, while tragicomedy is about possible congruity—not mutual erasure but the capacity for the tragic and comic to coexist.
    Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
  • Nobody is more alive to the comic incongruity than the man himself.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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