chiasmus
noun
chi·as·mus
kī-ˈaz-məs 
kē-
: an inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases (as in Goldsmith's to stop too fearful, and too faint to go)
Examples of chiasmus in a Sentence
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Their juxtaposition explored the idea of balance, as in the universal experience of finding one’s center amid clashing forces and in sync with the sculptural technique of the chiasmus championed by Polykleitos in Ancient Greece, one of Murano’s ongoing inspirations.
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WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Third, there are several instances of chiasmus, an A-B-B-A pattern.
—Sam Bray, Washington Post, 23 July 2017
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WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Third, there are several instances of chiasmus, an A-B-B-A pattern.
—Sam Bray, Washington Post, 23 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Chiasmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiasmus. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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