SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

contradiction in terms

Definition of contradiction in terms

:a phrase that contains words which have very different or opposite meanings

I think "working vacation" is a contradiction in terms.

Word by Word Definitions

contradiction play

: act or an instance of contradicting
: a proposition, statement, or phrase that asserts or implies both the truth and falsity of something
: a statement or phrase whose parts contradict each other

See the full definition of contradiction

term play terms

: a word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject
: expression of a specified kind
: a limited or definite extent of time

: to apply a term to : call, name

See the full definition of term

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up contradiction in terms? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

play

agreeable, attractive, or delicious

Words at Play

alt-59c52d6ee2f72

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

alt-59c4207ecf106

Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

alt-59c2960017c94

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

young-plant-shoots

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

stylized-drawing-of-woman-pole-vaulting-across-gap-to-get-trophy

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Add Diction

Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.

Play the game