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
The record will appear on his debut album Order Chaos Order, out June 13, which emerged from a kindred dichotomy.
—
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Oda is a revelatory young acting and vocal talent, commanding the stage inside a masterful performance, the truth of Jade’s personal persona an interesting dichotomy from how the public knows her.
—David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
Traditional verification methods often force companies to choose between convenience and protection, but emerging approaches challenge this false dichotomy.
—Tamas Kadar, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The dichotomy of his life — between hardened gang member and soulful crooner — was on display during his occasional stints in the county jail system, according to Townsend, a former Rollin’ 20s Bloods member, now executive director of a gang intervention nonprofit, 2nd Call.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Oda is a revelatory young acting and vocal talent, commanding the stage inside a masterful performance, the truth of Jade’s personal persona an interesting dichotomy from how the public knows her.
—David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
Traditional verification methods often force companies to choose between convenience and protection, but emerging approaches challenge this false dichotomy.
—Tamas Kadar, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The dichotomy of his life — between hardened gang member and soulful crooner — was on display during his occasional stints in the county jail system, according to Townsend, a former Rollin’ 20s Bloods member, now executive director of a gang intervention nonprofit, 2nd Call.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
Noun
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But here's the paradox: pursuing happiness often makes people more unhappy.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Many Alaskans see the prospect as an embarrassing paradox – akin to Hawaii importing pineapples or New Mexico importing green chiles.—
Brett Watson,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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