1
as in paradoxes
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another
a loving father as well as a ruthless killer, the gangster is a living contradiction
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2
as in denials
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement
the actress's contradiction of the marriage rumor caused quite a stir
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Recent Examples of contradictions
Name any contradictions or surprises explicitly.
—
Paul Baier, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Even public messaging about the contents of the proposal, known as the memorandum of understanding (MOU), is underpinned by contradictions — with Washington pushing back against Tehran’s statements that the draft stipulates US forces’ withdrawal and an end to blockades on Iranian ports.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Bond exists in a world of contradictions a lot of the time.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
As the episode unfolds, more ambiguities and contradictions emerge, which give it more emotional heft and texture.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 22 May 2026
Amid these contradictions, many people want to believe in the magical powers of education to advance themselves and their children.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
These contradictions place many American Jews in an untenable position.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
One of the film’s biggest reflections involves a heady discourse on dialectical materialism, a complicated philosophical principle based on how opposing forces and contradictions fuel change.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Ceasefires are not treated as avenues to solve political contradictions and pave the way to a lasting settlement, Bhamidipati said.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Paul Baier, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Even public messaging about the contents of the proposal, known as the memorandum of understanding (MOU), is underpinned by contradictions — with Washington pushing back against Tehran’s statements that the draft stipulates US forces’ withdrawal and an end to blockades on Iranian ports.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Bond exists in a world of contradictions a lot of the time.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
As the episode unfolds, more ambiguities and contradictions emerge, which give it more emotional heft and texture.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 22 May 2026
Amid these contradictions, many people want to believe in the magical powers of education to advance themselves and their children.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
These contradictions place many American Jews in an untenable position.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
One of the film’s biggest reflections involves a heady discourse on dialectical materialism, a complicated philosophical principle based on how opposing forces and contradictions fuel change.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Ceasefires are not treated as avenues to solve political contradictions and pave the way to a lasting settlement, Bhamidipati said.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictions
Noun
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That conflict sits at the heart of one of climate's most maddening paradoxes.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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Reflecting on these piercing paradoxes, Dusabejambo’s narrative (co-written with Delphine Agut) cannot but be shaped by them; there are no simple resolutions for a reality defined by ruptures and ragged edges.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Too many Californians face denials, excessive prior authorization requirements, or complete lack of coverage for these treatments.—
Karen R. Studer,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
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Republicans suspect Bankhead will essentially cede the race to Bodnar (despite her denials), which would make the general election more competitive.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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For the next two years, Adamson and Watson struggled through label rejections, an aborted stint opening for Alice Cooper with a mediocre backing band, and some uneven sessions with Roxy Music producer Chris Thomas.—
Ethan Beck,
Pitchfork,
30 May 2026
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Jerry Mix, the investor who said yes after 73 rejections, believed in physical products and a long time horizon.—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contradictions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictions. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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