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antinomy

noun
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an·​tin·​o·​my | \ an-ˈti-nə-mē How to pronounce antinomy (audio) \
plural antinomies

Definition of antinomy

1 : a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles
2 : a fundamental and apparently unresolvable conflict or contradiction antinomies of beauty and evil, freedom and slavery— Stephen Holden
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Other Words from antinomy

antinomic \ ˌan-​ti-​ˈnä-​mik How to pronounce antinomic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of antinomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This demanded the forging of a new consciousness, one that would overcome the antinomies of subjective and objective, body and spirit, family and party. — Marci Shore, New York Times, "The Russian Revolution Recast as an Epic Family Tragedy," 18 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antinomy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of antinomy

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for antinomy

German Antinomie, from Latin antinomia conflict of laws, from Greek, from anti- + nomos law — more at nimble

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Time Traveler for antinomy

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The first known use of antinomy was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Antinomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antinomy. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

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