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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
When scientists try to make sense of quantum theory in an expanding universe, they are met with one confusing paradox after another.
—
Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
And when in doubt or if you’re paralyzed with the paradox of two choices, stick to room temperature.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
The paradox occurs in the labor market as well, with humans in many jobs standing in for coal.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
This dynamic creates a paradox.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
And when in doubt or if you’re paralyzed with the paradox of two choices, stick to room temperature.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
The paradox occurs in the labor market as well, with humans in many jobs standing in for coal.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
This dynamic creates a paradox.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
Noun
-
One dichotomy that’s set up in the book is between the language of poetry and the language of law.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
This dichotomy has been going on for decades.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To make our lineup, The Times surveyed more than 200 authors, publishers, journalists and general book club enthusiasts to select the best book club reads in 10 categories, including romance, mystery, memoir and literary fiction.—
Brittany Levine Beckman,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Much of Taylor’s life is shrouded in mystery and myth.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This contradiction is famously known as the black hole information paradox.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The Broadway team may have hoped to heighten the contradictions further, by focussing more tightly on New York oddballs under pressure.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An enigma in tinted glass, its signature flavor comes from a compound that may or may not come from actual nuts.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
While the fort remains an enigma, archeologists hope that further examination will reveal more information about the site’s builders and their story.—
Anne Doran,
ARTnews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Petzold marvelled at the incongruities.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
-
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 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
