oxymoron

[ ok-si-mawr-on, -mohr- ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

, plural ox·y·mo·ra [ok-si-, mawr, -, uh, -, mohr, -, uh], ox·y·mor·ons.

1. a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in “cruel kindness” or “to make haste slowly.”

oxymoron

/ ˌɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn /

noun

1. rhetoric an epigrammatic effect, by which contradictory terms are used in conjunction

   living death

   fiend angelical

oxymoron

1. A rhetorical device in which two seemingly contradictory words are used together for effect: “She is just a poor little rich girl.”

Other Words From

• ox·y·mo·ron·ic [ok-see-m, uh, -, ron, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxymoron¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin oxymorum, from presumed Greek oxýmōron (unrecorded), neuter of oxýmōros (unrecorded) “sharp-dull,” equivalent to oxý(s) “sharp” ( oxy- ¹ ) + mōrós “dull” ( moron )

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxymoron¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek oxumōron, from oxus sharp + mōros stupid

Example Sentences

“The phrase ‘homeless veteran’ should be an American oxymoron,” the complaint said.

From Los Angeles Times

Since 1920, the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries and the extension of the franchise to women—two constituencies that are notoriously tough for libertarians—have rendered the notion of “capitalist democracy” into an oxymoron.

From Slate

Has the term “Dodgers organization” become an oxymoron?

From Los Angeles Times

In 2024, “pro-Israel, pro-peace” is an oxymoron, with denial stretched to a breaking point.

From Salon

For me, the phrase “solo show” has always kind of been an oxymoron.

From Los Angeles Times