as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another
her outfit is a sartorial dichotomy: an elegant gown and ratty old tennis shoes
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Recent Examples of dichotomy
The dichotomy of the Mashpi experience.
—
Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
This week, a new development created a striking dichotomy between how different government employees are treated.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
In regard to the long view of the playoff race, that dichotomy of options could mean the Heat competing with a likely still-rebuilding Grizzlies roster, or potentially contending with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who will be 27 at the time of potential 2028-29 expansion.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Beginning in the 1980s, the short-long skirt dichotomy began breaking down as both options remained popular for wearers.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
This week, a new development created a striking dichotomy between how different government employees are treated.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
In regard to the long view of the playoff race, that dichotomy of options could mean the Heat competing with a likely still-rebuilding Grizzlies roster, or potentially contending with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who will be 27 at the time of potential 2028-29 expansion.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Beginning in the 1980s, the short-long skirt dichotomy began breaking down as both options remained popular for wearers.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
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Zermelo was pleased that his list of principles, known as ZF, appeared to cleanse the set-theoretic universe of many major paradoxes such as Russell’s.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
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And in what may seem as a paradox, Maryland last year saw a record number of flash floods, caused by the impacts of climate change, creating periods of long dry spells followed by sudden torrential rainfall.—
Sacoby Wilson,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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