dichotomy

noun

dī-ˈkä-tə-mē How to pronounce dichotomy (audio)
Definition of dichotomynext
as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another her outfit is a sartorial dichotomy: an elegant gown and ratty old tennis shoes

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 dichotomy The collections showed a dichotomy of heritage meets contemporary life; intimacy meets provocation; belonging intersects with rootlessness, and memories, music, nature, street culture and personal histories become material for visual language. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 His understanding of humans as imperfect complex beings and looking at life beyond the dichotomy of individuals as good or bad. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 The dichotomy of hard and soft is something that Williams appreciates. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026 That dichotomy surely reflected, consciously or not on Schubert’s part, the circumstances of his life and contradictions of his character. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
  • 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
  • Again, this could be an interesting paradox to dig into for comedy, but Gillis simply doesn’t seem to want to, sticking to the same self-denigrating fat jokes he’s always trotted out.
    — Charu Sinha, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of paradox

Browse Nearby Words

dichotomizing
dichotomy
dichromatic
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Cite this Entry

“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dichotomy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dichotomy

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