dichotomy

noun

dī-ˈkä-tə-mē How to pronounce dichotomy (audio)
Definition of dichotomynext
as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another her outfit is a sartorial dichotomy: an elegant gown and ratty old tennis shoes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dichotomy This kind of relationship made the lives of people living in ancient times unproblematic in terms of the dichotomy between the transcendent and the space of reality. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 If anything, the dichotomy between the pop star who prances around Versailles in a sheer nightie and the pop star who stomps onstage in knee-high combat boots feels completely authentic and intentional. — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 The binary dichotomy is the beginning of the question of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland, a question of legitimacy that is applied to only one nation in the world. — Joyce Kamanitz, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 The composition reflects Rockwell’s fascination with the dichotomy between what people see and what operates behind the scenes, said Stephanie Plunkett, chief curator at the Norman Rockwell Museum. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
  • The tokenized real-world assets market, valued at $60 billion across 7,000 products, faces a significant activity paradox.
    — Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The spindle’s life, after all, is a bit of a paradox, Dumont said.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 29 June 2026
Definition of paradox

Browse Nearby Words

dichotomizing
dichotomy
dichromatic
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Cite this Entry

“Dichotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dichotomy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dichotomy

Nglish: Translation of dichotomy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dichotomy

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