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

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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 disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an unsolved mystery playing out in real time, embodies a similar paradox. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 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 The strong force’s paradoxes make its interactions incredibly difficult to predict. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026 Murree Brewery has operated within this paradox for decades. Betsy Joles, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
Noun
  • Interesting dichotomies for me, from my perspective.
    Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The dichotomy has lasted weeks and is finally about to shift – but only after one more major blast of Arctic air this weekend for the East.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The small museum, which opened last year, covers the creatures, apparitions and mysteries eluding prosaic explanation.
    Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • There’s no charm, mystery, or wit to it.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Sitting there at his desk, his tumbler full of water again, covered by light lace, Chitol often mulled over the contradiction in his circumstances.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The contradiction is hard to ignore.
    David Stout, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Frenchman is an enigma, a star, a staggering talent who will be fostered in the heart of Texas for years to come.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Speaking of enigmas, Katie Zelem plays for West Ham now on loan after less than five months with London City.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The show’s postcard-ready shots of the northern countryside, with its verdant hills and winding roads, are another incongruity, belying the challenges of survival there for those on the fringes.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Not a single critic of the book was struck by the incongruity of this failure in basic thriller plotting.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

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“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradox. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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