WordValeoxymoron
two contradictory words joined, like 'deafening silence'
In more detail
1. (noun) a combination of words or ideas that seem to contradict each other, creating an unusual or striking effect
Examples
- The phrase 'deafening silence' is a famous oxymoron.
How to use oxymoron
An oxymoron is a rhetorical device that deliberately combines contradictory or incongruous words for effect, often to highlight a paradoxical truth or create wit. It differs from a simple paradox in that it specifically involves the juxtaposition of contradictory words or concepts within a short phrase, whereas a paradox is a broader logical contradiction. Common examples include 'deafening silence' and 'bittersweet'.
Common phrases
- apparent oxymoron
- living oxymoron
- perfect oxymoron
- true oxymoron
- oxymoronic phrase
- oxymoron in nature
Synonyms
paradox · contradiction · incongruity · anomaly · absurdity
Word family
oxymoronic (adjective) · oxymoronically (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse oxymoron with paradox, not recognizing that an oxymoron must involve the explicit pairing of contradictory terms within a phrase, while a paradox is a broader logical inconsistency.
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