paradoxical

adjective

par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl How to pronounce paradoxical (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
1
a
: of the nature of a paradox
the paradoxical theory that global warming will lead to the next Ice Age
b
: inclined to paradoxes
2
: not being the normal or usual kind
a paradoxical pulse
paradoxical drug reactions
paradoxicality noun
paradoxically adverb
paradoxicalness noun

Examples of paradoxical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To top it all off, layoffs often trigger a paradoxical reaction: a rise in stock prices. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The episode says much about the sometimes paradoxical effects of Kremlin propaganda: amid rumors of supply chain problems and price hikes, the Kremlin made a heavy-handed campaign telling people there were plenty of eggs. Peter Pomerantsev, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 In a paradoxical way, my existence has become tolerable and pleasant by having become, in a sense, impersonal or suprapersonal. Oliver Sacks, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 As hearing aids, the company suddenly finds itself in a paradoxical and unique position as one of the least expensive options. Christopher Null, WIRED, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paradoxical 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of paradoxical was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near paradoxical

Cite this Entry

“Paradoxical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paradoxical. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

paradoxical

adjective
par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌpar-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl How to pronounce paradoxical (audio)
variants also paradoxic
: not being the normal or usual kind
a paradoxical embolism

More from Merriam-Webster on paradoxical

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