paradoxical
adjective
par·a·dox·i·cal
ˌper-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl 
ˌpa-rə-
1
2
: not being the normal or usual kind
a paradoxical pulse
paradoxical drug reactions
Examples of paradoxical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Now low fly ball rates have always represented a glass half full/glass half empty paradoxical situation for me.
—
Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Melling conveys the paradoxical elevation of Colin’s low self-esteem through the subservient relationship with an appealing pluckiness.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Postecoglou, on the other hand, seems stuck in a paradoxical balancing act.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
With China, the gap between the Biden administration’s rhetoric and its capabilities created a paradoxical situation in which the United States positioned itself as both provocative and weak.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paradoxical
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Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Melling conveys the paradoxical elevation of Colin’s low self-esteem through the subservient relationship with an appealing pluckiness.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Postecoglou, on the other hand, seems stuck in a paradoxical balancing act.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
With China, the gap between the Biden administration’s rhetoric and its capabilities created a paradoxical situation in which the United States positioned itself as both provocative and weak.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paradoxical
Cite this Entry
“Paradoxical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paradoxical. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
paradoxical
adjective
par·a·dox·i·cal
ˌpar-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl
variants
also paradoxic
: not being the normal or usual kind
a paradoxical embolism
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