Oxymoron vs Paradox: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
An oxymoron is a brief figure of speech using two contradictory terms. A paradox is a broader statement or situation that seems contradictory but may contain an underlying truth.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Oxymoron mean?
noun · /ˌɒk.siˈmɔː.rɒn/
A combination of two contradictory or opposing words placed together for effect — creating meaning through contradiction rather than in spite of it.
Explore OxymoronOxymoron in a sentence
Bittersweet. Deafening silence. Living death. The oxymoron forces the reader to hold two truths at once.
Her writing was full of oxymorons — she understood that the best truths resist summary.
What does Paradox mean?
noun · /ˈpærədɒks/
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless express a truth; a situation that appears logically impossible but is real.
Explore ParadoxParadox in a sentence
The paradox of choice: more options somehow leads to less satisfaction.
His kindness and cruelty coexisted — a paradox that made him impossible to understand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Oxymoron and Paradox?
An oxymoron is a brief figure of speech using two contradictory terms. A paradox is a broader statement or situation that seems contradictory but may contain an underlying truth.
What does Oxymoron mean?
A combination of two contradictory or opposing words placed together for effect — creating meaning through contradiction rather than in spite of it.
What does Paradox mean?
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless express a truth; a situation that appears logically impossible but is real.