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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 As a rock star, Chrissie Hynde has always been a bit of a paradox — gnarly but cerebral, ferocious yet guarded. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026 Twenty-five years later, that architecture presents something of a paradox. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 To ask how much of the senator now in front of us is the man and how much is the injury is a cartoon of the Cartesian mind-body paradox. — Michael P.h. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026 Construction—one of the world’s least productive industries—may present its own paradox. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 5 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
  • 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
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • The mystery endured for decades until investigators traced one of nearly 30 keys found on him to Jacksonville, Florida, where Betkouski had lived.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Alpöge has continued to explore other mathematical mysteries.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The totality of the thing is exhausting, yet as is common in durational experiences of art, meaning and unexpected contradictions emerged.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
  • At its core, this film is about people in all their complexity, contradictions and humanity.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Despite centuries of scientific research, the human brain remains an enigma.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Zelda remains an enigma, but increasingly an enigma flying some red flags.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Sep. 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

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paradox
paradoxes
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Cite this Entry

“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paradox

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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