Before we go straight to the examples, let’s figure out what an oxymoron is first. So, let’s begin with the name and its origins. The term oxymorum was first recorded a while back by a dude named Maurus Servius Honoratus, who lived around 400 AD. The term itself is derived from the Greek word oksus, meaning sharp, keen, pointed and moros meaning dull, stupid, or foolish. So, sharp-dull, keenly stupid, or pointedly foolish; your choice. What’s even more fun is that the word oxymoron is autological, which is a fancy term for saying that it is itself an example of an oxymoron.
Okay, with our short history lesson done, we should probably figure out when is the right time to use such a beautiful figure of speech (such a poetic term, isn’t it?). So, the most proper occasion to use an oxymoron would be when you want to create a self-contradiction or reveal a paradox. Here’s an oxymoron example that would work beautifully on such an occasion - absent presence. However, although an oxymoron sounds like it’s reserved to be used by scholars only, it is, in fact, used daily by pretty much every one of us. Think of declaring something to be awfully good or when your colleagues clearly misunderstand what you are saying to them. See? With just a few examples of an oxymoron, we’ve figured out that it is actually known and used by us daily!
Now we’ve talked about oxymoron definitions and examples, and it is probably time to check out the full list below. Lots of interesting words, and even more awesome combinations! Show this precious figure of speech some love by upvoting your favorite submissions and share this article with your friends!
#1
Comfortable misery
Meaning: When you are miserable but you are used to it.
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#2
Passive-aggressive
Meaning: A pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly addressing them.
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#3
Found missing
Meaning: Something or someone was discovered to be missing.
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#4
Wise fool
Meaning: A form of literary paradox in which through a narrative a character recognized as a fool comes to be seen as a beholder of wisdom.
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#5
Open secret
Meaning: A supposed secret that is in fact known to many people.
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#6
Alone together
Meaning: Two people are together with no one else present.
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#7
Good grief
Meaning: Used to express surprise or annoyance.
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#8
Work vacation
Meaning: Work remotely while doing the touristy things on weekend or after work.
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#9
Resident alien
Meaning: A person who is a U.S. citizen or a foreign national who meets either the “green card” or “substantial presence” test.
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#10
Controlled chaos
Meaning: A state or situation that appears to be completely disorganised, but where some things are under control.
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#11
Absent presence
Meaning: Someone banishes another socially from an event – essentially ignoring them as if they were absent even though they are present.
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#12
Cheerful pessimist
Meaning: one who accepts the brutal, harsh facts of life, and is prepared to accept that people, no matter how talented or how great, will always disappoint, yet he/she makes the best of it.
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#13
Icy hot
Meaning: something that is refreshingly cool and "icy", yet also has an element of tantalizing burning, the "hot" part.
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#14
Joyful sadness
Meaning: Being happy and sad at the same time (usually about different things/topics).
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#15
Living dead
Meaning: (in fiction) reanimated corpses that have been turned into creatures capable of movement but not of rational thought; zombies.
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#16
Negative income
Meaning: Invested income that has produced a loss and hence may yield a tax deduction.
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#17
Soft rock
Meaning: A style of rock music with a less persistent beat and more emphasis on lyrics and melody than hard rock.
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#18
Friendly fire
Meaning: Weapon fire coming from one's own side that causes accidental injury or death to one's own forces.
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#19
Deliberate mistake
Meaning: An action believed to be wrong, but still done on purpose.
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#20
Disgustingly delicious
Meaning: extremely (in a way that other people feel jealous of) tasty.
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