An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines words or ideas that seem to contradictTo say or show that something is opposite or inconsistent with something else. each other, like “deafening silence.” People use oxymoronsExpressions that join opposite or conflicting terms for effect. for emphasis, ironyA situation or expression where the expected meaning is reversed or unexpected., or a striking effect.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌɑksəˈmɔrɑn/
Easy pronunciation: OK-sih-MOR-ahn (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the third syllable, with secondary stress on the first.
Used for the noun meaning a figure of speech that joins contradictory words or ideas.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Oxymoron Meaning
a phrase that joins words which seem to clash
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a figure of speech that combines contradictory words or ideas
Example: “Bittersweet” is a common oxymoron.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t confuse oxymoron with paradox. A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory but may reveal a truth.
- Don’t use oxymoron for any contradiction; it specifically refers to a phrase or expression made of contradictory terms.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oxymoron mean?
An oxymoron is a phrase that combines contradictory words or ideas, such as “deafening silence.”
What is an example of an oxymoron?
“Jumbo shrimp” and “deafening silence” are common examples.
Is oxymoron a noun or adjective?
Oxymoron is a noun.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
