paradox

noun

ˈper-ə-ˌdäks How to pronounce paradox (audio)
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 The science behind a paradox While in the clinic, Carleton began studying a years-old question in the lab. — Allessandra Dicorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 While field recording is typically a solitary activity, Jensen embraces the alone-together paradox of building a community around a bunch of people wearing headphones. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 The way secrets can either pull people close or push them away is an enticing paradox. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 That transformation captures one of the paradoxes at the heart of the history of waste. — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
  1. dichotomy
  2. mystery
  3. contradiction
  4. enigma
  5. incongruity
Noun
  • The dichotomy of tourism and commerce keeps this location appealing for those seeking an authentic submersion in the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The next generation of retirement benefits may not be the dichotomy of DB or DC.
    — Jeff Stevenson, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • The Sox’s pitching plans are a daily mystery, and worries over Grant Taylor’s right arm falling off have become nightly debates in South Side bars.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Distributed by Hive Media Corp, the drama reconstructs the August 15, 1974 assassination attempt on President Park Chung-hee and stars Yu Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho as figures probing contradictions in the state’s official inquiry.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Perhaps in the hands of a smarter comedian, this contradiction could in itself be a compelling source of comedy to mine.
    — Charu Sinha, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Why resveratrol can have such varying effects has remained a scientific enigma.
    — Sajish Mathew, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026
  • PBHs could help resolve other enigmas, too, for instance by acting as seeds for the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of enigma
Noun
  • Both shows attempted to offer a perspective on authentic Italian style, with Milan's incongruities as an underlying theme.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Listeners seemed to delight in the incongruity—a semipopular rapper suddenly sounded nothing like himself.
    — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of incongruity

Browse Nearby Words

paradisiacal
paradox
paradoxes
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Cite this Entry

“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paradox

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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