Definitions

oxymoron

[ok-si-mawr-on, -mohr-] / ˌɒk sɪˈmɔr ɒn, -ˈmoʊr- /

NOUN

figure of speech

Synonyms

WEAK

adumbration allegory alliteration allusion analogue analogy anaphora anticlimax antistrophe antithesis aposiopesis apostrophe asyndeton bathos comparison conceit device echoism ellipsis euphemism euphuism exaggeration expression flourish flower hyperbole image imagery irony litotes malapropism manner of speaking metaphor metonymy onomatopoeia ornament parable paradox parallel personification proteron rhetoric sarcasm satire simile stylistic device synecdoche trope tropology turn of phrase understatement way of speaking

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.

Outside, I flew my Oxymoron flag: the red and blue of the union jack represented in its complementary colours, which make it become the green and orange of the Irish tricolour.

From The Guardian • May 6, 2019

Schoolboy Q, presenting tracks from his excellent new album, "Oxymoron," owned his stage Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2014

In addition to typically magnetic rhythms from Top Dawg producers Digi+Phonics, "Oxymoron" offers crawling beats from Pharrell; Mike Will Made It; Tyler, the Creator; Clams Casino and the Alchemist.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2014

Oxymoron isn’t Q’s first album—2011’s Setbacks and 2012’s Habits and Contradictions, both excellent independent releases, precede it—but it feels like part of a beginning.

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2014

Oxymoron as Behold them unbeheld, unheard Hear all. —'none'.

From The Early Poems of Alfred Lord Tennyson by Collins, John Churton

Vocabulary lists containing oxymoron

Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Introductory

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Poetry: Literary Devices

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AP English Lit exam terms

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