adj
C2
Proficient
paradoxical
pa-ruh-DOK-sih-kuhl
Paradoxical (adj) means having qualities that seem to contradict each other; involving a paradox. Example: “It's paradoxical that saving money sometimes requires spending more upfront.”
adj
1
Having qualities that seem to contradict each other; involving a paradox.
"It's paradoxical that saving money sometimes requires spending more upfront."
How to use paradoxical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing something that seems self-contradictory or strange yet may still be true.
Common pairings
paradoxically
a paradoxical result
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more paradoxical
- Superlative
- most paradoxical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's _____ that saving money sometimes requires spending more upfront.
Etymology
From paradox + -ical.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
self-consistent
self-evident
Related words
Rhymes for paradoxical
See all rhymes for paradoxical →Frequently asked questions
What does “paradoxical” mean?
The word “paradoxical” means having qualities that seem to contradict each other; involving a paradox. In plain terms, describing something that seems self-contradictory or strange yet may still be true.
How do you pronounce “paradoxical”?
“Paradoxical” is pronounced pa-ruh-DOK-sih-kuhl (/ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “paradoxical” in a sentence?
Here is “paradoxical” used in a sentence: “It's paradoxical that saving money sometimes requires spending more upfront.”
What is the opposite of “paradoxical”?
The opposite of “paradoxical” — its antonyms — are self-consistent and self-evident.
What part of speech is “paradoxical”?
“Paradoxical” is an adjective.
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