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paradox

ˈpærəˌdɑːksnoun

What does paradox mean?

A statement that seems to contradict itself but may be true.

Paradox, six ways

PlainA statement that seems to contradict itself but may be true.
ADHDMakes no sense. Also true. Both at once.
Gen ZWhen something is true and impossible at the same time. “Less is more.”
MetaphorA staircase that goes up and arrives below.
FormalA seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that, when investigated, may prove true.
Like I’m 5Something that sounds like it can’t be true but is, like “the beginning of the end.” That’s a paradox.

How to pronounce paradox

PAIR-uh-doks/ˈpærəˌdɑːks/

Paradox in a sentence

It is a paradox that the busiest people get the most done.
The paradox of choice: more options, less satisfaction.
Zeno’s paradoxes puzzled philosophers for centuries.

Synonyms for paradox

contradictionTwo things that can’t both be true.
ironyAn outcome opposite to the expected.
puzzlePlainer.

Where paradox comes from

Greek. Paradoxon, contrary to opinion, from para, beyond, and doxa, opinion.

Good to know

A paradox seems contradictory but may hold. A contradiction actually can’t.

Paradox meaning, on a Gloss card: A statement that seems to contradict itself but may be true.

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Words like paradox

paradigm · esoteric · didactic · penumbra · soporific · benevolent · All 110 words

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