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 Healthcare leaders often lack formal management training, creating a paradox where excellent practitioners struggle with leadership demands. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 4 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
  • But the dichotomy of experiences in one cafeteria is not lost on her.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But Musical Bodies is not limited to this characteristically Western dichotomy and the Enlightenment discourse that fostered it.
    — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • Joe Conti, an independent researcher and physics enthusiast based in Massachusetts, is inviting eclipse observers across Iceland and Spain to capture the optical mystery on their smartphones as part of a citizen science project.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Avoiding a court case also helped keep the the reason behind their breakup a mystery, though both have since hinted that the burden of fame and the constant pressure of being in the spotlight were more than the couple could bear.
    — Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Over a career spanning six decades, Herzog has become one of the most influential figures in international cinema, working on around 80 films often alighting on the subjects of obsession, extreme situations and the contradictions of human nature.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Jobs are down, but consumer sentiment—and the stock market—are up, leaving the retail sector to reckon with a host of seeming contradictions and confusing market signals.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • 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
  • The drawer at the bottom of your oven can be a surprising enigma.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 21 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

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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 10 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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