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 From Managing Work to Protecting Human Potential As organizations continue adopting AI, automation, and advanced analytics, leaders will face an unexpected paradox. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes. — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The spindle’s life, after all, is a bit of a paradox, Dumont said. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
  1. dichotomy
  2. mystery
  3. contradiction
  4. enigma
  5. incongruity
Noun
  • The dichotomy of 007, suited and booted in one moment and throwing himself into danger the next, requires shape-shifting abilities, something that is naturally applicable to the clever casting of an unknown actor.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
  • Thomas said there’s a dichotomy in the league’s attempts to prioritize player safety on the court while ignoring their concerns off the court.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • What happened, Wells' parents say, is a mystery riddled with conflicting stories, implausible explanations and missing details.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • What happened with ’The Perfect Couple’ is that Netflix wanted a six-episode murder mystery.
    — Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, is infamous for a contradiction.
    — James Doubek, NPR, 3 July 2026
  • Jefferson’s contradictions date back through much of American history; he was claimed by both sides of the Civil War and both sides of the civil rights movement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • SpaceX, however, took the flexible lockup approach, wrapped it in a puzzle, strapped it to an enigma, and sent it to live in a colony on Mars.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • In 2024, now grown and with her adoptive father’s approval, the young woman sets off with a wealthy merchant to piece together the historical enigmas surrounding the ancient Sumpa kingdom.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026
Definition of enigma
Noun
  • Irony involves incongruity, while tragicomedy is about possible congruity—not mutual erasure but the capacity for the tragic and comic to coexist.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
  • Nobody is more alive to the comic incongruity than the man himself.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Definition of incongruity

Browse Nearby Words

paradisiacal
paradox
paradoxes
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Cite this Entry

“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paradox

Nglish: Translation of paradox for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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