paradoxical

adjective

par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl 

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

ˌper-ə-ˌdäk-si-ˈka-lə-tē 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

paradoxically

ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-k(ə-)lē 

ˌpa-rə-

adverb

paradoxicalness

ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl-nəs 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

Examples of paradoxical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dark exploits cognitive vulnerabilities by presenting a paradoxical narrative that blurs the lines between cause and effect, heightening tension and anxiety as viewers struggle to discern what is real. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Harvey: There is a paradoxical tension between the need for White people to make change and to slow down and engage in enough self-reflection to avoid causing harm or creating racist backlash. —Jessica Dulong, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

This human weakness helps to support a notion that may seem paradoxical: that the solution to the scourge of the deadline is more deadlines. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2024

Jolie wanders through the frame with a paradoxical blend of imperious diva and lost little girl. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing paradoxical

• paradoxical sleep

Medical Definition

paradoxical

adjective

par·​a·​dox·​i·​cal ˌpar-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl 

variants also paradoxic

-sik 

: not being the normal or usual kind

a paradoxical embolism