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
Carlile acknowledged that possible dichotomy between girls just wanting to have fun and just wanting to fret about the world in her opening toast (following a land-acknowledgement prelude overseen by Mexican hosts).
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
That dichotomy opens it up to be included in a wide range of styles.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026
Many callers are rejecting the dichotomy of Republican and Democratic labels when sharing personal political views.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
That’s a false dichotomy that is being used to try to win an argument.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
That dichotomy opens it up to be included in a wide range of styles.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026
Many callers are rejecting the dichotomy of Republican and Democratic labels when sharing personal political views.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
That’s a false dichotomy that is being used to try to win an argument.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an unsolved mystery playing out in real time, embodies a similar paradox.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
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There are myriad appeals processes open to anyone who is dissatisfied with their assessment, creating a paradox with which anyone who has bought and sold property in the county is all too familiar.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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