paradox

noun

ˈper-ə-ˌdäks How to pronounce paradox (audio)
Definition of paradoxnext
as in dichotomy
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another the paradox of fighting a war for peace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of paradox The industry paradox is that the complexity and speed of this new breed of attack, combined with the scarcity of security talent, are leading some organizations to solely rely on AI automation. — Carlos Morales, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 This dichotomy underscored the paradox of the administration’s crackdown on legal immigration. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026 But the paradox of choice can be a headache for companies needing computing power yesterday. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 The science behind a paradox While in the clinic, Carleton began studying a years-old question in the lab. — Allessandra Dicorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
  1. dichotomy
  2. mystery
  3. contradiction
  4. enigma
  5. incongruity
Noun
  • This dichotomy underscored the paradox of the administration’s crackdown on legal immigration.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The dichotomy of tourism and commerce keeps this location appealing for those seeking an authentic submersion in the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Genres run from crime thrillers and detective mysteries to folklore horror, social and courtroom drama, and romance.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town pulled into Europe’s shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine’s frontlines collides with enduring ties to Russia, personal convictions, and the everyday need to survive.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • All these contradictions are evident in Fujairah’s boom, where its geographic blessing offers no immunity from conflict.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • The enigma of comets and asteroids lured the world’s space agencies into funding a series of robotic probes to study them.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Menopause, despite being a fact of life for most women, is something of a scientific enigma.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of enigma
Noun
  • Both shows attempted to offer a perspective on authentic Italian style, with Milan's incongruities as an underlying theme.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Listeners seemed to delight in the incongruity—a semipopular rapper suddenly sounded nothing like himself.
    — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of incongruity

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paradox
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Cite this Entry

“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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