64 Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences

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Oxymoron signs placed side by side

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.

Before you start, if you’re looking for a super simple guide to literary devices, take a look at our Figurative Language for Kids

Do you need help refining your written English? Take a look at our proofreading services.

Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences

  1. This is another fine mess you have got us into.
  2. There is a real love hate relationship developing between the two of them.
  3. Suddenly the room filled with a deafening silence.
  4. The comedian was seriously funny.
  5. You are clearly confused by the situation you have found yourself in.
  6. Her singing was enough to raise the living dead.
  7. Do you have the original copies that we requested?
  8. This is a genuine imitation Rolex watch.
  9. I really would like to try that new jumbo shrimp restaurant.
  10. His new girlfriend really is pretty ugly.
  11. Sorry, I can’t help you out right now, I am involved in my own minor crisis.
  12. Give me the fifty dollars you owe me or pay for dinner, it’s the same difference.
  13. My trip to Bali was very much a working holiday.
  14. I let out a silent scream as the cat walked through the door carrying a dead bird.
  15. You are going to have to use proofreading services, it is your only choice.
  16. The seventies was the era of free love.
  17. I will ask the professor for his unbiased opinion.
  18. The constant variable is the one that does not change.
  19. The sermon lasted for an endless hour.
  20. We laughed and cried through the tragic comedy.
  21. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
  22. They couldn’t wait to get out alone together.
  23. We’ll use plastic glasses at the picnic.
  24. The student teacher explained how to complete dissertation editing.
  25. The gossip is old news.
  26. The lady he eventually married is painfully beautiful.
  27. Wow! This ice cream is disgustingly delicious.
  28. Be careful in the playground, run slowly.
  29. Your apple pie is awfully good.
  30. A small crowd gathered to watch the concert.
  31. It’s an open secret that they have been having an affair for the past six months.
  32. He has a real passive aggressive personality.
  33. You were awfully lucky to escape the car crash unscathed.
  34. Stop being a big baby.
  35. I am sure I am growing smaller as I get older.
  36. She is my least favorite relation.
  37. The story was based on the concept of  a true myth.
  38. That is an example of the typically weird behavior she continually demonstrates.
  39. He has become an extremely unpopular celebrity.
  40. I’m on a heavy diet until my wedding day.
  41. I am a deeply superficial person.
  42. I like a smuggler. He is the only honest thief.
  43. Good grief, we’re really late.
  44. I can’t make any promises but it’s a definite possibility.
  45. She was terribly pleased with her Birthday present.
  46. The army returned friendly fire as the enemy approached.
  47. He installed the new wireless cable in the television room.
  48. He was forced to stand down from his position as president.
  49. There will be zero tolerance in the future.
  50. I had no choice but to do what I was told.

Looking for simile examples? Check out 101 Examples of Similes in Sentences

Funny, Sarcastic and Cynical Oxymorons:

  1. Microsoft Works
  2. Military intelligence
  3. Government organization
  4. American history
  5. Business ethics
  6. Butt Head
  7. Temporary tax increase
  8. Twelve-ounce pound cake
  9. Express Mail
  10. Marital bliss
  11. Congressional ethics
  12. Airline Food
  13. President Bush
  14. 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.

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112 thoughts on “64 Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences”

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  20. unconscious people are the living dead. Brain atrophy sets in as the brain is not used. Recovery is an erring process. The divine feeling of the promotion for servicing the queen and the social science of abduction, brake vandalism solitary confinement until property developers arrive. They do the pro motion together while divinely and scientifically opposed to the tango.

  30. I went for tech help. He spent the entire 30 minutes telling me what a good listener he was!

  80. 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

  83. Conservative Democrat, Pop Punk, Silent Drums, CNN News, 2019/2020 Bipartisan President Impeachment, Soft Rock, Educated Guess, Honest Politician, Snops Fact Checking, Weather Forecast

  99. When in Rome (travel bans)
    I did, no I didn’t
    Beach Ball (as in formal dance, which you can not have on the beach, unless you got council permission, which would probably vary from state to state, country to country. You could google it for your local area. There’s one; in on)

  100. @David Ransom: Your first one nailed it however, you don’t seem to have grasped the concept in your 2nd attempt. Nice try. Keep at it.

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