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 solution to the AI speed paradox isn’t deploying more AI tools to deliver more and more content. — Jamie Garverick, Fortune, 15 July 2026 The two lovers are forced to confront their own psychological paradox to make sense out of their unusual, newfound connection, the news release stated. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 The paradox of Tibetan Buddhism is this blending of secular wisdom and mystical rite. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 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 See All Example Sentences for paradox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradox
  1. dichotomy
  2. mystery
  3. contradiction
  4. enigma
  5. incongruity
Noun
  • The Tour is both globally popular and hyper-local and Prudhomme embodies this dichotomy.
    — Andy McGrath, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • The flashbacks this week are also quite thrilling, even if there’s not much to say about them yet, given that what’s happening to the Keene siblings remains shrouded in mystery.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Somewhere in Jeff’s eyes, somewhere in his incredible vulnerability and in his trust, that mystery is opening up.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • That contradiction has become one of the defining stories of modern Atlanta.
    — Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Nothing illustrates European contradictions more clearly than energy imports.
    — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • In the first knockout stage match in the venue, Haaland’s winner in the 86th minute over Ivory Coast offered a lens into Norway’s rich fan tradition, and the enigma that is Haaland himself.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Physicists refer to this process as collapse, but scientists have not yet solved the fundamental enigma that drives this phenomenon.
    — Aldo Romero, The Conversation, 15 July 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

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Cite this Entry

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