noun
oxymoron
ok-sih-MAW-ron
Oxymoron (noun) means a figure of speech that pairs two contradictory words for effect, such as "deafening silence.". Example: “Jumbo shrimp" is a classic oxymoron.”
noun
1
A figure of speech that pairs two contradictory words for effect, such as "deafening silence."
""Jumbo shrimp" is a classic oxymoron."
"Calling the meeting "a small crisis" felt like an oxymoron."
2
More loosely, any statement that seems to contradict itself.
"Some critics called "civil war" an oxymoron given how uncivil it was."
How to use oxymoron
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA phrase that puts two opposite ideas together on purpose, often for a striking or witty effect.
Common pairings
classic oxymoron
unintentional oxymoron
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Word forms
- Plural
- oxymorons, oxymora
Fill the gap
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"Jumbo shrimp" is a classic _____.
Etymology
From Greek roots meaning "sharp" and "dull/foolish" — the word describing contradictions is itself a small contradiction.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for oxymoron
See all rhymes for oxymoron →Frequently asked questions
What does “oxymoron” mean?
The word “oxymoron” means a figure of speech that pairs two contradictory words for effect, such as "deafening silence.". In plain terms, a phrase that puts two opposite ideas together on purpose, often for a striking or witty effect.
How do you pronounce “oxymoron”?
“Oxymoron” is pronounced ok-sih-MAW-ron (/ˌɑksiˈmɔɹɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “oxymoron” in a sentence?
Here is “oxymoron” used in a sentence: “"Jumbo shrimp" is a classic oxymoron.”
What is the opposite of “oxymoron”?
The opposite of “oxymoron” — its antonyms — are pleonasm and redundancy.
What part of speech is “oxymoron”?
“Oxymoron” is a noun.
Where does the word “oxymoron” come from?
The word “oxymoron” comes from Greek. From Greek roots meaning "sharp" and "dull/foolish" — the word describing contradictions is itself a small contradiction.
How many meanings does “oxymoron” have?
“Oxymoron” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a figure of speech that pairs two contradictory words for effect, such as "deafening silence.".
