Paradoxes And Contradictions

noun a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

• The term 'jumbo shrimp' is often considered an oxymoron in linguistics.
• My sister said she's going on a 'working vacation' which sounds like an oxymoron to me.
• I think 'act natural' is kind of an oxymoron, don't you?
• The phrase 'bittersweet ending' is an oxymoron that perfectly captures the complexity of the situation.

noun a statement that contradicts itself or itself refutes a statement

adjective describing something that is contradictory within itself

• The philosopher pointed out the self-contradiction in the politician's argument.
• I can't believe the self-contradiction in what she just said.
• It's so funny when people don't realize their own self-contradictions.
• Her actions were a self-contradiction of her stated beliefs.