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
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Recent Examples of paradox
South Siders know that in terms of historic places, there is a paradox between what is worthy of protection, recognition and resources there and what occurs on the North Side or in the Loop.
—
Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The only problem is, negotiating and understanding the subsequent paradoxes — which writer/director Shane Carruth made little effort to simplify — requires a PhD in high-level physics.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
That paradox is felt across the industry.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Valentini argues that Louis de Broglie, a French physicist and Nobel laureate, developed a framework for quantum mechanics that eliminated its paradoxes around 100 years ago.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The only problem is, negotiating and understanding the subsequent paradoxes — which writer/director Shane Carruth made little effort to simplify — requires a PhD in high-level physics.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
That paradox is felt across the industry.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Valentini argues that Louis de Broglie, a French physicist and Nobel laureate, developed a framework for quantum mechanics that eliminated its paradoxes around 100 years ago.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
Noun
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This week, a new development created a striking dichotomy between how different government employees are treated.—
John Wayne Ferguson,
Houston Chronicle,
25 Mar. 2026
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In regard to the long view of the playoff race, that dichotomy of options could mean the Heat competing with a likely still-rebuilding Grizzlies roster, or potentially contending with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who will be 27 at the time of potential 2028-29 expansion.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The mystery sound rose and fell over the course of one minute.—
Andrew Coletti,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
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Reports of a mystery rocket seen launching from Cape Canaveral on Thursday could be another hypersonic missile test for the Department of Defense.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Miguel Díaz-Canel, the puppet president Raúl Castro appointed, has been left to manage the contradictions.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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The lessons that endure are about constraint and invention, messiness and coordination, contradiction and persistence—about intervening directly and fearlessly in material reality.—
Julian Rose,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Considering the lack of quality quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, Simpson is the biggest enigma in this year’s draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
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The film, based on a true story that became a media sensation in the '80s, never renders a definitive judgment on von Bülow (who was acquitted in court), leaving him an indelible enigma that Irons teases but never tells.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Petzold marvelled at the incongruities.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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Ridge’s equal deftness at the high end and the low is one of many apparent incongruities that the winery has managed to balance comfortably.—
Senior Wine Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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