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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chicago bedding store is the latest example of the almost paradoxical evolution from online to bricks-and-mortar, the main street, old-school way of doing business that e-commerce seemed destined to destroy. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 15 Oct. 2024 In a paradoxical way, having the world taken from him delivers it to him. Sarah Thankam Mathews, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2024 In non-dual Buddhist study, we are often asked to hold paradoxical ideas. Cari Jacobs-Crovetto, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 To top it all off, layoffs often trigger a paradoxical reaction: a rise in stock prices. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Oct. 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 24 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!