as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another
her outfit is a sartorial dichotomy: an elegant gown and ratty old tennis shoes
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Recent Examples of dichotomy
Nguyen said her world view was shaped in part by the spiritual dichotomy in her household.
—
Paul Hodgins, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
This dichotomy, between the use of these devices and the actual charging process itself, is indicative of a larger problem.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
There's a dichotomy shaping up in this midterm election year.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026
Around 30 years ago, however, that dichotomy disappeared when fashion emerged as a global phenomenon, exploding beyond the pages of specialty publications and exclusive salons to reach every corner of the world, from social media to the hallowed halls of museums.
—Patricia Mears, Air Mail, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Paul Hodgins, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
This dichotomy, between the use of these devices and the actual charging process itself, is indicative of a larger problem.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
There's a dichotomy shaping up in this midterm election year.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026
Around 30 years ago, however, that dichotomy disappeared when fashion emerged as a global phenomenon, exploding beyond the pages of specialty publications and exclusive salons to reach every corner of the world, from social media to the hallowed halls of museums.
—Patricia Mears, Air Mail, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
-
Even though tech advocates can argue that their machines are becoming more efficient, there's a common paradox that finds when things get more efficient, they are used more often and total energy use soars even if individual uses are more efficient, Madani said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
-
In a sense, that paradox is what made Michael Jackson a pop god.—
Rodney Carmichael,
NPR,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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