oxymoron Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Oxymoron as a Noun
A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect.
A contradiction in terms.
Word Forms & Grammar
oxymoron (plural oxymorons or oxymora)
Words That Rhyme With Oxymoron
Origin of Oxymoron
First attested in the 17th century, noun use of 5th century Latin oxymōrum (adjective), neut. nom. form of oxymōrus (adjective),[1] from Ancient Greek ὀξύμωρος (oxúmōros), compound of ὀξύς (oxús, “sharp, keen, pointed”)[2] (English oxy-, as in oxygen) + μωρός (mōrós, “dull, stupid, foolish”)[3] (English moron (“stupid person”)). Literally "sharp-dull", "keen-stupid", or "pointed-foolish"[4] – itself an oxymoron, hence autological; compare sophomore (literally “wise fool”), influenced by similar analysis. The compound form ὀξύμωρον (oxúmōron) is not found in the extant Ancient Greek sources.[5]
Oxymoron in Brief
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɒksɪˈmɔːɹɒn/ |
| Meaning | A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for… |
| Antonyms | pleonasm and redundancy |
| Plural | oxymorons |
Common Questions About Oxymoron
What part of speech is oxymoron?
Oxymoron is a noun.
What is the opposite of oxymoron?
The opposite of oxymoron can be expressed with words like pleonasm and redundancy.
What is the plural of oxymoron?
The plural of oxymoron is oxymorons.