antinomy

noun

an·tin·o·my | \ an-ˈti-nə-mē

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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Examples of antinomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Civilization and barbarism is a classic antinomy in Argentine history, going all the way back to America’s conquest and the subsequent extermination of the native population in military campaigns. — Jd Linville, Variety, 2 Nov. 2021 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, 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.