Oxymoron – Definition with Examples

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings, like “ old news ”  or “ organized chaos. ”

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines an oxymoron as “a phrase that combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other.”  In the Cambridge Dictionary, an oxymoron is defined as “two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have opposite meanings.”

Oxymoron Definition with Examples

What is an Oxymoron?

Oxymoron is a literary device in which contradictory terms are juxtaposed.  They are used poetically to give fresh meaning to a word or a phrase. Example: ”only option”, ”silent scream”

What is the Purpose of Oxymoron?

Oxymoron serves a quite useful purpose in the right situation. It is used to give:- 

 1. DRAMATIC EFFECT

• An oxymoron stands out & elicits critical thinking. 
• The reader has to pause in order to understand the meaning.
• It makes the reader think. 
• Tend to have a deeper meaning than the other words. 

 2. ENTERTAINMENT

• Oxymorons provide an ideal platform to be clever or funny.  
• The use of contradictory words goes well for jokes & while making witty comments.                                      

3. PRESENT WORDS 

• While placing a contrasting word with another, makes each one stand out & by highlighting their differences, one accentuates their meanings. 

Example: ” deafening silence ” means silence on its own is neutral or it denotes an atmosphere of calmness or tension, based on the context. But pairing deafening with silence brings a very distinct meaning. 

4. ARTICULATE POEMS

• Oxymoron being a figurative language is often used in poems to elicit a deeper meaning that keeps the audience connected to the theme.

Oxymoron vs Juxtaposition

Oxymoron	Juxtaposition
1. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings.	1. Juxtaposition is used to compare or contrast ideas.
2. It can add emphasis, help in description, add irony, or just be used for entertainment.	2. Juxtaposition is a way to present complex ideas.
Example: ”cold fire” , ”close distance”	Example: “Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.”                                 -Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
3. Oxymorons are usually limited to a single sentence.	3. Juxtaposition’s length may vary, it is not restricted to a single sentence.

Oxymoron vs Paradox

Oxymoron	Paradox
1. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings.	1. Paradox is like a logical puzzle that contradicts itself.
2. An oxymoron is a description, enjoyed in one moment  & then gone.	2. A paradox is usually something that leads one to think about it.
Example: ”original copy” , ”accurate estimate”	Example:  ”Less is more”, ” I’m a compulsive liar. ”

Importance of Using Oxymorons 

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings. When used, it serves quite a useful purpose when used in the right situation. 

• It is used to give a dramatic effect to the sentence, which makes the reader pause & think. It leads to creative thinking.
• Sometimes, while using an oxymoron, it engages us with funny or witty statements.
• By the use of contrasting words with one another, an oxymoron helps a word to stand out so that we can interpret its meaning in a better manner.
• The use of an oxymoron in daily life be it in the fields of literature or poetry, engages the audience with a theme that has a deeper meaning.

Oxymoron Examples From English Literature

1.    “Loving hate,” “heavy lightness,” & “cold fire”  

-William Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”

               “Loving hate,” “heavy lightness,” & “cold fire” are contradictory phrases.  
                Shakespeare uses these oxymorons to talk about the dualities of love.

2.    ”All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.”

              – George Orwell, “Animal Farm”

               True equality doesn’t exist if one class is  “more equal” than another.

Practice Questions on Oxymorons

Identify oxymoron in the following sentences:-

1. It is always a love-hate relationship between my neighbors.

2. Sheetal was on a heavy diet owing to her engagement.

3. My father has zero tolerance for dishonesty.

4. We use plastic cups so we can just dispose of them after use.

5. I asked my cousin to stop behaving like a big baby.

6. The child’s restlessness was projected like a silent scream for help.

7. Geography is my least favorite topic in Social Sciences.

8. There is a definite possibility for my friends to be late due to the rain.

Solutions

1. It is always a love-hate relationship between my neighbors.

2. Sheetal was on a heavy diet owing to her engagement.

3. My father has zero tolerance for dishonesty.

4. We use plastic cups so we can just dispose of them after use.

5. I asked my cousin to stop behaving like a big baby.

6. The child’s restlessness was projected like a silent scream for help.

7. Geography is my least favorite topic in Social Sciences.

8. There is a definite possibility for my friends to be late due to the rain.

Frequently Asked Questions on Oxymoron

What is an Oxymoron?

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings. 

What are some Oxymoron examples?

Awfully good	Love- hate	Seriously funny
Passive- aggressive	Walking dead	Bittersweet
Virtual reality	Unbiased opinion	Close distance
Same difference	One double	Alone together
Original Copy	Working holiday	Only option

What is the difference between Oxymoron and Paradox?

• Oxymoron –  Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory words are combined with opposing meanings. 
• Paradox –  Paradox is like a logical puzzle that contradicts itself. It is usually something that leads one to think about. 

What is the most famous Oxymoron?

Frenemy, Bittersweet, Hateful love, True lies, Unbiased opinion, Sweet sorrow, Perfect imperfections, Open secret, Old news.

Does Oxymoron mean the opposite?

Oxymorons are self-contradicting words, meaning that the word means something but denotes some other meaning.  While an opposite is a word that expresses a meaning that is opposite to the meaning of another word. Hence, an oxymoron & opposite mean different things. 

How to use an Oxymoron in a sentence?

The combination of two contradicting terms is called an oxymoron. We need to remember some points while forming & using an oxymoron in a sentence. 

• When we combine two opposite words, only do we get an oxymoron. 
• Do not just use any two opposite terms. Not all combinations make sense. One has to carefully analyze which two words would affect the audience.