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 Sanchez, the woman at the center of the conversation, is also kind of a paradox. — Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026 This apparent paradox is part of what drew Dudley Lamming, co-author of the new review and a researcher of aging, to study protein in the diet and its effects on health. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 My son, Gio, born on Bourdain’s 44th birthday—June 25, 2000, two weeks after Kitchen Confidential hit the New York Times best-seller list—captured this paradox hilariously one evening. — Karen Rinaldi, Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026 But Raman's fractured relationship with the DSA has become the defining paradox of her candidacy here in LA. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 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 duo riffs off this dichotomy with the alarming imagery that accompanies The Precariat, taking listeners on a journey through the underbelly of America.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But the dichotomy of experiences in one cafeteria is not lost on her.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Magic super-rings that can transform thoughts into solid green objects in order to fight crime and solve mysteries.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The warring impulses ought to cancel each other out, but Dante orchestrates his films’ elements so deftly that the contradictions enrich each other and create a worldview more distinctive and complex than those of Lucas and Spielberg.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
  • When confronted with this brazen conflict of standards during last week’s special session, members of the General Assembly simply dismissed the contradiction, insisting that the law does not apply to them.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Russell Westbrook was an NBA enigma, right up to the very end.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On top of that, Perel said, the kinds of communities and rituals people traditionally relied on when facing enigma and loss aren’t so common anymore.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of enigma
Noun
  • The passing of 30 years has only enhanced the appeal of the group’s Nashville detour, shifting attention from the incongruity of Ween cutting a country record to the joyous chemistry between these old pros and young punks.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paradox

Nglish: Translation of paradox for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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