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paradoxically

American

[par-uh-dok-sik-lee] / ˌpær əˈdɒk sɪk li /

adverb

in a self-contradictory or seemingly self-contradictory way.

Paradoxically, the more we know, the more we identify an increasing number of questions to which we as yet have no answers.

Other Word Forms

nonparadoxically adverb
ultraparadoxically adverb
unparadoxically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paradoxically

paradoxical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The problem for Rocket Lab was, paradoxically, a successful space launch.

From Barron's • Dec. 15, 2025

A keystone’s angled downward pressure on each side locks the larger form in place, paradoxically allowing the arch to rise up.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Dutiful Meg paradoxically longs for leisure and fashionable clothes; impetuous Jo yearns for literary fame; shy, music-loving Beth wishes only for everyone to be happy; artistic Amy craves admiration and status.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

The oddball nature of the product, paradoxically, is probably the reason you’ve heard of it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

I go along with the Kiss of Peace, but paradoxically I feel isolated sitting in half-empty churches among people I am suddenly aware of not knowing.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023