paradox
/ˈpæ.ɹəˌdɒks/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: paradoxes
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
Noun
Examples
"This sentence is false" is a paradox.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.
Noun
Examples
It is an interesting paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “paradox” mean?
An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
Is “paradox” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.