oxymoron

[ˌɑːksɪˈmɔːrɒn]

oxymoron Definition

a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

Using oxymoron: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oxymoron" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Jumbo shrimp is an oxymoron.

• Example

  The phrase 'cruel kindness' is an oxymoron.

• Example

  The term 'living dead' is an oxymoron.

oxymoron Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oxymoron

• paradox
• contradiction in terms
• contradictory phrase

Phrases with oxymoron

• deafening silence

  a situation where there is complete silence, but it feels very loud and overwhelming

  Example

  After the explosion, there was a deafening silence in the room.

• open secret

  a piece of information that is widely known but not officially acknowledged

  Example

  It was an open secret that the company was going bankrupt.

• pretty ugly

  something that is both attractive and unattractive at the same time

  Example

  The building was pretty ugly, with its mismatched colors and odd design.

Origins of oxymoron

from Greek 'oxumōron', meaning 'pointedly foolish'

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Summary: oxymoron in Brief

An 'oxymoron' [ˌɑːksɪˈmɔːrɒn] is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms to create a new meaning. Examples include 'jumbo shrimp,' 'cruel kindness,' and 'living dead.' Other examples of oxymorons are 'deafening silence,' 'open secret,' and 'pretty ugly.'