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 argument about finances produced one of the hearing’s central paradoxes. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 The phrase cradles this paradox; depending on the context, the phrase could mean bliss or tragedy. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 That paradox is at the heart of why Curry’s work will always endure. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 This paradox—a longing for beauty to be distributed equally, even though it cannot be diluted for ease of distribution, and might even require rarity—is why the period continues to fascinate me. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 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 experiment falls into the growing dichotomy of how AI is addressed and used on campus.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The mitigation-versus-adaptation split characterizes a lot of climate action, but few people outside of those actively working on climate change think of this dichotomy.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of dichotomy
Noun
  • The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is about to launch on an incredible adventure to help scientists explore the great mysteries of the universe.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Why the Central African Republic agreed to accept migrants from the US is still something of a mystery.
    — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Its uniquely wide view will also help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy while perhaps clearing up some contradictions about our universe that scientists have been scratching their heads over for decades.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Not as an idealised image of femininity, but as individuals carrying contradictions, expectations and desires.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Its findings could also unlock clues about dark energy and dark matter, and some of the universe’s biggest enigmas.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Rafa is a kind of enigma, an international sports figure who’s massively well liked and well known across the globe, but who has maintained an inner private life that is very authentically Spanish.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of enigma
Noun
  • To them, cartoons are just a part of life, and that incongruity generates much of the film’s humor.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The passing of 30 years has only enhanced the appeal of the group’s Nashville detour, shifting attention from the incongruity of Ween cutting a country record to the joyous chemistry between these old pros and young punks.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paradox

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paradox

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