WordGarden.iooxymoron
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɒksɪmˈɔːrɒn/
US
- /ˌɑkˈsiˈmɔrɑn/
Meanings
Noun
a figure of speech that combines words with contradictory meanings
a person, thing, or idea that seems self-contradictory or absurdly incongruous
Beyond the definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two words with opposite meanings, like "jumbo shrimp" or "deafening silence." It is not just a contradiction. It can create a strong effect, show a deeper truth, or simply sound clever. Think of it as a small puzzle for your brain. Writers and poets often use oxymorons to help you see things in a new way. Shakespeare was a master of oxymorons, and he used them often in his plays to express complex emotions.
Imagine someone describing a situation as "bittersweet." That's an oxymoron! It pairs "bitter," suggesting something unpleasant, with "sweet," implying pleasure. An oxymoron isn't simply a mistake or illogical statement; it's a deliberate combination of contradictory terms used for rhetorical effect.
The word itself comes from the Greek words oxys (sharp) and moros (foolish), essentially meaning "pointedly foolish." While seemingly nonsensical, oxymorons can reveal hidden truths by highlighting complexities within an idea or emotion. They force you to consider how two opposing forces can coexist.
You'll find them everywhere—in poetry ("cruel kindness"), literature ("living death"), everyday speech ("clearly confused"), and even advertising ("seriously playful"). They aren't the same as paradoxes, which are statements that seem contradictory but contain a deeper truth; oxymorons are usually short combinations of opposing terms within a phrase.
So next time you encounter a phrase that sounds like it shouldn't work, but somehow does—and makes you pause to think—chances are you've stumbled upon an oxymoron! It's a little linguistic trick that adds depth and nuance to language.
Examples
- 1
Common example
"Deafening silence" is a classic oxymoron.
- 2
Everyday phrase
The phrase "organized chaos" sounds like an oxymoron, but it describes our kitchen pretty well.
- 3
Joking description
She called the tiny mansion an oxymoron and laughed.
- 4
Customer complaint
For some customers, "friendly customer service" felt like an oxymoron after a week of unanswered emails.
- Patternfeel like an oxymoron
seem impossible or unrealistic together
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Poetry
The poem is full of oxymorons, such as "sweet sorrow" and "cold fire."
See also
Similar
- contradiction in terms
- contradictory phrase
Shades of meaning
- paradox
- ironic expression
Contrast
- tautology
- literal statement
Used with (collocations)
- classic oxymoron
- apparent oxymoron
- example of an oxymoron
Word family
- oxymoronic
Explore
- figure of speech
- antithesis
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- oxymoronnoun
Forms
- oxymoronspluralnoun
- oxymorapluralnoun