Paradox Examples

A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself because it combines words or ideas that are opposites.

Even though the phrase seems to contradict itself, it makes sense in the context of what the speaker or writer is trying to convey.

1. jumbo shrimp

2. bitter sweet

3. dark days

4. boneless ribs

5. loud silence

Examples of Paradox in Literature

From Romeo and Juliet-when Juliet finds out that Romeo has killed her cousin, she uses many paradoxes, which show her conflicting emotions about Romeo.

O serpent heart, hid with a flowering face!

Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave?

Beautiful tyrant! Fiend angelical!

Dove-feather'd raven! Wolvish-ravening lamb!

Despised substance of divinest show!

Just opposite to what thou justly seem'st.

O damed saint, an honourable villain!

O nature, what hadst thou to do in hell,

When thou didst bower in the spirit of a fiend

In moral paradise of such seweet flesh?

Was ever book containing such vile matter So fairly bound?