What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contradiction
Example
Her actions were in contradiction to her words. [contradiction: noun]
Example
The witness's testimony contradicted the defendant's alibi. [contradicted: past tense verb]
paradox
Example
Less is more is a paradoxical statement. [paradoxical: adjective]
Example
The concept of time travel is full of paradoxes. [paradoxes: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradiction is more commonly used in everyday language, while paradox is more often used in academic or philosophical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contradiction and paradox?
Paradox is generally considered more formal than contradiction, as it is often used in academic or philosophical discussions.
