191 Another Word for Oxymoron? – Oxymoron Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say oxymoron differently? Here are other words for oxymoron and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines two words or phrases that seem to be contradictory, such as "bitter sweet" or "deafening silence".

Etymology of oxymoron

The word "oxymoron" comes from the Greek words "oxys" meaning "sharp" or "keen" and "moros" meaning "dull" or "foolish", literally meaning "sharp-dull".
The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a figure of speech that combines two contradictory words or phrases.

Synonyms

paradox contradiction incongruity inconsistency anomaly enigma puzzle riddle mystery ambiguity equivocation ambivalence dilemma predicament quagmire conundrum brain teaser mind bender enigmatic statement contradictory statement self-contradictory phrase figure of speech mixed message doublethink doublespeak ambiguity oxymoronic phrase antithesis aporia contradiction in terms conflicting ideas opposing views disparate elements discordant notes illogical statement nonsensical expression absurdity incongruous phrase dissonance clash incompatibility incoherence.

Definitions

  • A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction, e.g. "bitter sweet", "deafening silence".
  • A statement that combines two opposite ideas or characteristics, often to create a unique or thought-provoking effect.
  • A rhetorical device used to add emphasis, create surprise, or convey complexity.

Usage Examples

  • The phrase "jumbo shrimp" is an example of an oxymoron, as "jumbo" implies something large, while "shrimp" implies something small.
  • The idea of a "bitter sweet" memory is an oxymoron, as it combines two opposing emotions.
  • The phrase "deafening silence" is an oxymoron, as "deafening" implies a loud noise, while "silence" implies a lack of sound.

Antonyms

clarity coherence consistency harmony uniformity agreement compatibility congruity correspondence symmetry synchrony accord concord consensus consistency continuity correlation equivalence identity likeness parallelism resemblance similarity unity concurrence coincidence coexistence commensurability comparability conformity homogeneity homology isomorphism parallel proportion proportionality regularity synchronicity.

Related Adjectives

contradictory paradoxical ambiguous equivocal enigmatic puzzling mysterious brain-teasing mind-bending dilemmatic predicamental quagmiric conundrumatic mixed double contradictory self-contradictory oxymoronic antithetical aporetic unclear uncertain vague obscure abstruse recondite complex complicated intricate involved knotty labyrinthine problematic troublesome vexing baffling perplexing confusing disconcerting.

Related Nouns

figure of speech rhetoric language expression phrase idiom metaphor simile analogy paradox contradiction ambiguity equivocation enigma puzzle riddle mystery brain teaser mind bender dilemma predicament quagmire conundrum enigmatic statement contradictory statement self-contradictory phrase mixed message doublethink doublespeak ambiguity oxymoronic phrase antithesis aporia.

Related Verbs

combine contrast juxtapose oppose reconcile resolve clarify explain interpret analyze synthesize compare differentiate distinguish identify illustrate demonstrate show prove argue debate discuss expound explicate elucidate illuminate reveal uncover expose express convey communicate articulate formulate phrase word utter speak say.
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