May 13, 2025 · An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. This contradiction is also known as a paradox.

While we are loath to place restrictions on language use, oxymoron usually refers to a set of contradictory words (such as bittersweet) rather than to a contradictory person.

An oxymoron (plurals: oxymorons and oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposite meanings within a word or in a phrase that is a self-contradiction.

Essentially, an oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms. It’s a compact paradox, a statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

Oxymorons can add color, humor, and meaning to language in all sorts of ways. Oxymorons are useful tools for authors and poets because they're based in contradiction, which makes them capable of …

Mar 11, 2025 · Learn what an oxymoron is with these examples, definitions, and explanations. Discover how oxymorons add irony, humor, and depth to language and writing.

OXYMORON definition: a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in “cruel kindness” or “to make haste slowly.” See examples of oxymoron …

Add to word list grammar a phrase or statement that seems to say two opposite things, as in " jumbo shrimp " and " agree to disagree " (Definition of oxymoron from the Cambridge Academic Content …

Dec 26, 2025 · Oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in …

Jul 29, 2025 · An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms. The juxtaposition of these opposing words creates a paradoxical effect, inviting the reader or listener to …