as in contradictions
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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Recent Examples of paradoxes
The only problem is, negotiating and understanding the subsequent paradoxes — which writer/director Shane Carruth made little effort to simplify — requires a PhD in high-level physics.
—
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
These paradoxes have defined—or plagued—the theory since its inception more than a century ago.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
The ancient Greek philosopher Zeno used it to concoct all sorts of paradoxes.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2026
Those paradoxes of her personality?
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Dec. 2025
Yet the strategy document inadvertently illustrates the internal contradictions and the paradoxes of the world Trump wants.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
And the most powerful constraints are often paradoxes that can’t be resolved — only engaged.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
In a hotel room, a melancholy sabra in his forties muses over the paradoxes of the historical destiny of the Jews.
—Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
The film lays bare the tensions and paradoxes of nuclear deterrence, said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which advocates for nuclear arms control.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
These paradoxes have defined—or plagued—the theory since its inception more than a century ago.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
The ancient Greek philosopher Zeno used it to concoct all sorts of paradoxes.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2026
Those paradoxes of her personality?
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Dec. 2025
Yet the strategy document inadvertently illustrates the internal contradictions and the paradoxes of the world Trump wants.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
And the most powerful constraints are often paradoxes that can’t be resolved — only engaged.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
In a hotel room, a melancholy sabra in his forties muses over the paradoxes of the historical destiny of the Jews.
—Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
The film lays bare the tensions and paradoxes of nuclear deterrence, said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which advocates for nuclear arms control.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradoxes
Noun
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Students should be encouraged to think historically, Zavala said, and to approach larger themes of colonization, erasure, power and to reflect on the way movements are shaped and the contradictions that occur within them.—
Kristy Hutchings,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Miguel Díaz-Canel, the puppet president Raúl Castro appointed, has been left to manage the contradictions.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Some caution against directly linking evolving scientific theories to faith, while others argue that contemplating cosmic mysteries deepens both scientific and spiritual understanding.—
Deepa Bharath,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man, the most powerful man in the Universe.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Petzold marvelled at the incongruities.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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Ridge’s equal deftness at the high end and the low is one of many apparent incongruities that the winery has managed to balance comfortably.—
Senior Wine Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Simpson has been one of the biggest enigmas in this year’s draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
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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
-
Honestly, everything about Bob Weir was dichotomies.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
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Desai’s multipart meet-cute lets her challenge neat old-world–new-world dichotomies.—
Sanjena Sathian,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paradoxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradoxes. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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