paradox
3 synonyms for paradox, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use paradox
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a paradox of
it's a paradox that
Etymology
From Greek paradoxos ("unexpected, contrary to opinion"), via Latin and French.
Full origin of paradox →Frequently asked questions
What does “paradox” mean?
The word “paradox” means a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true. In plain terms, something that seems logically contradictory but may contain a hidden truth.
How do you pronounce “paradox”?
“Paradox” is pronounced PA-ruh-doks (/ˈpæ.ɹəˌdɒks/ in IPA).
How do you use “paradox” in a sentence?
Here is “paradox” used in a sentence: “The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic paradox.”
What part of speech is “paradox”?
“Paradox” is a noun.
Where does the word “paradox” come from?
The word “paradox” comes from Latin. From Greek paradoxos ("unexpected, contrary to opinion"), via Latin and French.
Is “paradox” a common word?
“Paradox” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “paradox” have?
“Paradox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true.
What is the difference between a paradox and a contradiction?
A contradiction is simply two statements that cannot both be true, while a paradox is a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but may still turn out to be true or valid on closer examination. A paradox often reveals a deeper truth once its apparent conflict is resolved or understood.
Can a paradox describe a person rather than a statement?
Yes, paradox can also describe a person or thing that combines seemingly contradictory qualities, such as someone who is both extremely generous and famously stingy in different areas of life.
Is calling something "a paradox" the same as calling it ironic?
No, irony usually involves an outcome that is the opposite of what was expected, while a paradox involves a statement or situation that seems logically contradictory yet may still hold true. The two can overlap, but paradox is centered on apparent self-contradiction rather than mismatched expectation.
