Synonyms of dichotomy

dichotomy

noun

dī-ˈkä-tə-mē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paradox
• contradiction
• incongruity
• enigma
• mystery
• riddle
• conundrum
• puzzle
• antinomy
• puzzlement
• mystification

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dichotomy

The mitigation-versus-adaptation split characterizes a lot of climate action, but few people outside of those actively working on climate change think of this dichotomy. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Farnaby’s work on projects like Paddington 2, Wonka and Ghosts well captures these kinds of dichotomies. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Lanterns does finally get to a more sophisticated place midway through the season, casting new shades of meaning on its John-Hal dichotomy through secondary characters, their varied relationships with fear, and the passage of time. — Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

The duo riffs off this dichotomy with the alarming imagery that accompanies The Precariat, taking listeners on a journey through the underbelly of America. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 5 Aug. 2026