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 His understanding of humans as imperfect complex beings and looking at life beyond the dichotomy of individuals as good or bad. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 The dichotomy of hard and soft is something that Williams appreciates. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026 That dichotomy surely reflected, consciously or not on Schubert’s part, the circumstances of his life and contradictions of his character. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 Independent designers, once a discovery engine, were being squeezed, while the biggest brands put more investment into their own stores, creating a dichotomy in experiences that Bron felt was palpable. — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dichotomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dichotomy
paradox
Noun
  • Yet, one of leadership’s great paradoxes is that slowing down enough to invest in people is often what ultimately enables teams and organizations to move faster.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But Chee’s first-person, present-tense narration differs from most in being, in a seeming paradox, retrospective.
    — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dichotomy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dichotomy

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