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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Recent Examples of paradox
The paradox of trade power is that success in a trading relationship—as indicated by one state having a trade surplus with another—is a source of vulnerability.
—
Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025
Business owners and employees alike are living through a paradox.
—Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Discounting any of the various potential paradoxes and possible multiversal implications of the deed, Jeb Bush leapt headlong into this hypothetical (take your pick) DeLorean, phone booth, Tardis, or Wellsian steampunk contraption with a knife in hand.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 8 June 2025
However, the timing reveals a troubling paradox: while the U.S. swiftly punishes Sudan, Syria, another regime guilty of repeatedly using chemical weapons, is being quietly readmitted into the global community, effectively free from lasting consequences.
—Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025
Business owners and employees alike are living through a paradox.
—Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Discounting any of the various potential paradoxes and possible multiversal implications of the deed, Jeb Bush leapt headlong into this hypothetical (take your pick) DeLorean, phone booth, Tardis, or Wellsian steampunk contraption with a knife in hand.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 8 June 2025
However, the timing reveals a troubling paradox: while the U.S. swiftly punishes Sudan, Syria, another regime guilty of repeatedly using chemical weapons, is being quietly readmitted into the global community, effectively free from lasting consequences.
—Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
Noun
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The vivifying dichotomy is even announced in advance.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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The funding cut, Turner says, highlights a dichotomy between the Trump Administration’s aim to leave disaster response to communities—without providing them with the tools to respond.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
16 June 2025
Noun
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So there's going to be a strong reaction in both directions for this mystery houseguest.—
David Wysong,
The Enquirer,
4 July 2025
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In addition, Lind played the young version of Amanda Clarke (Emily VanCamp) in a recurring role on the ABC mystery thriller Revenge from 2011-2015, and the recurring role of Ariel on the CBS medical drama Code Black from 2015-2018.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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All of the intimacy of that and all the majesty and complexity and contradiction and controversy of the U.S.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 July 2025
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Janelle Hobson, who wrote about the visuals for Ms. and discussed them on NPR’s Morning Edition podcast, ascertained that the imagery could have multiple meanings: Reclamation, yes, but also an acknowledgement of all the convictions and contradictions the American flag can stand for.—
Leah Faye Cooper,
Vogue,
4 July 2025
Noun
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But Bryan was widely seen as suffering a humiliating defeat in public opinion, with his sputtering attempts to explain the Bible’s fanciful miracles and enigmas.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
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Bacon’s Castle was originally built by Arthur Allen, who remains something of an enigma to historians, according to the National Park Service.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Already concerned about the incongruity of having a comic yukking it up with what was happening with the AP and other outlets, the WHCA scrapped her.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
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Kirby’s incongruity is terrifying, so said someone much wiser than me.—
Mitch Wallace,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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