Oxymorons are figures of speech in which two contradictory terms are combined in order to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek for pointedly foolish (oxys = sharp/keen and moros = foolish). Oxymorons are extremely useful in written English because they can make effective titles, add dramatic effect, add flavor to speech, and can sometimes be used to achieve a comedic effect. Here is a comprehensive list of 64 examples of oxymorons in sentences. In each example, the oxymoron is underlined.
Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences
- This is another fine mess you have got us into.
- There is a real love hate relationship developing between the two of them.
- Suddenly the room filled with a deafening silence.
- The comedian was seriously funny.
- You are clearly confused by the situation you have found yourself in.
- Her singing was enough to raise the living dead.
- Do you have the original copies that we requested?
- This is a genuine imitation Rolex watch.
- I really would like to try that new jumbo shrimp restaurant.
- His new girlfriend really is pretty ugly.
- Sorry, I can’t help you out right now, I am involved in my own minor crisis.
- Give me the fifty dollars you owe me or pay for dinner, it’s the same difference.
- My trip to Bali was very much a working holiday.
- I let out a silent scream as the cat walked through the door carrying a dead bird.
- You are going to have to use proofreading services, it is your only choice.
- The seventies was the era of free love.
- I will ask the professor for his unbiased opinion.
- The constant variable is the one that does not change.
- The sermon lasted for an endless hour.
- We laughed and cried through the tragic comedy.
- Parting is such sweet sorrow.
- They couldn’t wait to get out alone together.
- We’ll use plastic glasses at the picnic.
- The student teacher explained how to complete dissertation editing.
- The gossip is old news.
- The lady he eventually married is painfully beautiful.
- Wow! This ice cream is disgustingly delicious.
- Be careful in the playground, run slowly.
- Your apple pie is awfully good.
- A small crowd gathered to watch the concert.
- It’s an open secret that they have been having an affair for the past six months.
- He has a real passive aggressive personality.
- You were awfully lucky to escape the car crash unscathed.
- Stop being a big baby.
- I am sure I am growing smaller as I get older.
- She is my least favorite relation.
- The story was based on the concept of a true myth.
- That is an example of the typically weird behavior she continually demonstrates.
- He has become an extremely unpopular celebrity.
- I’m on a heavy diet until my wedding day.
- I am a deeply superficial person.
- I like a smuggler. He is the only honest thief.
- Good grief, we’re really late.
- I can’t make any promises but it’s a definite possibility.
- She was terribly pleased with her Birthday present.
- The army returned friendly fire as the enemy approached.
- He installed the new wireless cable in the television room.
- He was forced to stand down from his position as president.
- There will be zero tolerance in the future.
- I had no choice but to do what I was told.
Funny, Sarcastic and Cynical Oxymorons:
- Microsoft Works
- Military intelligence
- Government organization
- American history
- Business ethics
- Butt Head
- Temporary tax increase
- Twelve-ounce pound cake
- Express Mail
- Marital bliss
- Congressional ethics
- Airline Food
- President Bush
- Peace Keeper Missile
Can you think of any examples of oxymorons in sentences? Leave a comment and share them with us all.
For more figurative language examples, see our guide to onomatopoeia.
80 Comments
How is “free love” an oxymoron?
Your an oxymoron….haha…anonymous….but you leave a photo!!
HAHAHAHHAHAH DYING
@david
You’re
It’s you’re NOT your david
You need to know proper grammar if YOU’RE going to insult someone.
Boom roasted David
hhahahhahahhhhahahhahahahah
love is always an investment in another :—)
NICE answer!
chackers
I like it
the seventies of the era was free love
ahhhhhhhh funny!!!
wht are the different types of oxymoron
Does we have different types of oxymoron
* Do we have, not DOES we have.
*cough* teachers pet *cough*
Happily Married! :P
Love it! Thanks.
“oxymoron” is itself an oxymoron it means – clever foolishness.
Political correctness has to be the biggest one of all! (or is it just a plain lie?)
Define a “good christian trump supporter”?
It would be similar to “morally superior hiLIARy supporter”.
Or that trump is a truthful liar.
I watched the event from the dangerous safety of a tower
What abt bitter truf?
Stop work
I’ve learnt something atleast
is uninvited guest an oxymoron?
Yes :)
She shouted! If my father were alive he’d turn in his grave at the sight of you 😂
Don’t know
Humane slaughter.
Common Sense (it’s so rare!!!)
“Texas justice” (in the cynical category)
I went for tech help. He spent the entire 30 minutes telling me what a good listener he was!
Liberal think tank.
Ice water
(Golf)
Metal wood
Is victim´s rights an oxymoron?
* victims´
I really love this site cus it stirredup my brain immune system
Really helped me
is mere yard an oxymorn
Black is my favorite color.
Is “I disagree to agree” an oxymoron?
Problobly, Yeah it shuold
Is “I disagree to agree” an oxymoron??
Donald J Trump, President of the Divided States of America = Oxymoron
government worker and religious scholar
intellectual rubbish
Civil war
Liquid Gas
Illegal immigrant.
By definition, “immigrants” arrived in the destination country legally.
is heroic travesty an oxymoron
Just ACT NATURAL.
yup
Can oxymorons be true
Depressed Gay
Informed Democrat
Good To Tatum… CIVILity is one extreme
The bellicosity of WAR is the other
extreme—- CIVIL WAR
And To Chris: lol😁 Love it! INFORMED DEMOCRAT for the same reason.
To Peppa: Nailed it!-BITTER SWEET: PLASTIC SILVERWARE: PAPER TOWEL: NEGATIVE INCOME and LEAD BALLOON.
✓: NEW AGE ::CASH FLOW (cynical)
NEGATIVE CASH FLOW ::
EUTHANASIA: eu=good thanatos= death. :: ✓FOOL’S GOLD
✓BLIND-SIGHTED ::
PEACEFUL-RESISTANCE
BURN-UP vs BURN-DOWN
HERE TO ETERNITY
SNOWBALL IN HELL
TEARS OF JOY
WALKING DEAD
DEADMAN WALKING
ICY HOT :: RAP MUSIC (sarcasm)
BIG BOY & LITTLE MAN (WWII bomb) :: SMART BLONDE
DULL ROAR :: ILLEGAL CITIZEN::
BRIDGE GAP. :: POWER OUTAGE::
PAYDIRT:: GOVERNMENT WORKER
TAX BENEFIT :: BEAUTY MARK
My daughter must’ve been hungry last night; I gave her half a pizza and she ate the whole half!
Agnostic Christian.
The party was simply superb!
He was deadly calm
TRY to RELAX
I just bought a new antique!
I just bought a new antique
Semi permanent, more uniqe, most unique
To SHIVA : * DO we have not DOES we have.
icy fire
Bitter sweet
Lead Balloon
plastic sliver wear
negative income
paper towel
Going up to the Downs
Religious Freedom
“Clean” coal
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