oxymoron

The definition of an oxymoron is a combination of contradictory words.

(noun)

An example of oxymoron is "definite maybe."

See oxymoron in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. oxymora

a figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined (Ex.: thunderous silence, sweet sorrow)

Origin: LGr oxymōron < neut. of oxymōros, acutely silly: see oxy- & moron

Related Forms:

See oxymoron in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môrˈə, -mōrˈə) or ox·y·mo·rons

A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.

Origin:

Origin: Greek oxumōron

Origin: , from neuter of oxumōros, pointedly foolish

Origin: : oxus, sharp; see oxygen

Origin: + mōros, foolish, dull

Related Forms:

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