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 decrease was driven, paradoxically, by cleaner air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

To boost the number of registered players and try to win over the International Olympic Committee, the sport has, paradoxically, had to step away from snow.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Yet a probe focused on senior officials is paradoxically a sign that Kyiv is getting better at fighting corruption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 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

Impelled by feelings that were primal yet paradoxically wholly impersonal.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

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