What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oxymoron
Example
The phrase 'jumbo shrimp' is an example of an oxymoron. [oxymoron: noun]
Example
She spoke with a deafening silence. [oxymoron: adjective]
contradiction
Example
His actions were in contradiction to his words. [contradiction: noun]
Example
The evidence presented contradicts the defendant's testimony. [contradicts: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradiction is more commonly used than oxymoron in everyday language. Contradiction is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while oxymoron is a more specific literary device.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oxymoron and contradiction?
Oxymoron is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in literature or academic writing. Contradiction can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
