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Definition of oxymoron

oxymoron

/ˌɑːksiˈmɔːrɑːn/
ox · y · mo · ron
Adverb:oxymoronically
•
Plural:oxymorons
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Adjective:oxymoronic
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oxymoron Lexical Profile

oxymoron Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction to create a rhetorical or poetic effect.

Example

"The English teacher pointed out that the phrase 'deafening silence' is a classic oxymoron."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oxymoron
Antonyms
View all antonyms for oxymoron

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike a general paradox, which is an extended statement or situation that seems contradictory, an oxymoron specifically pairs two opposing words side by side within a brief phrase.

• Rhymes for oxymoron

• Nearby Words

oxycodone
oxygen
oxygenate
oxymoron
oxymoronic
oxypetalum
oy

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century via Post-Classical Latin from Ancient Greek oxymōron, a self-referential compound of oxys ('sharp, keen') and mōros ('dull, foolish'), literally meaning 'sharply foolish' or 'pointedly foolish'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oxymoron. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oxymoron
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