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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The card networks’ position is the most paradoxical, and the most revealing. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Experts and fans alike also pointed out this makeover is paradoxical of the film's message of rejecting traditional beauty standards and the character's evolution to self-acceptance of her true form. Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 June 2026 The result is paradoxical, however, because the lack of detailed development afforded to the main characters allows others to come to the fore. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 Token costs are just one area of the AI boom where economists have seen paradoxical economic data emerge. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Paradoxical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paradoxical. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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

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