How to Pronounce Paradox

To pronounce "paradox", say PAR-ad-ox — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpaɹədɒks/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

paradox

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈpaɹədɒks/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “paradox”

"paradox" has 3 syllables: par-ad-ox. It rhymes with faux and unorthodox, if that helps it stick.

What does paradox mean?

noun

  1. An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.

    “"This sentence is false" is a paradox.”

  2. A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.

    “It is an interesting paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.”

Synonyms

shockercontradictionjuxtapositionreverse psychologyenigmakoanpuzzlequandary

Hear “paradox” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with paradox

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

fauxunorthodoxequinoxflummoxfoxboxcoxlockspoxrocksbalkslox

Related words

contrastparadoxicaldilemmacontradictorycontradictionanomalydiscrepancyaberration

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "paradox"?▾

"Paradox" has 3 syllables: par · ad · ox.

What is the IPA transcription of "paradox"?▾

The IPA transcription of "paradox" is /ˈpaɹədɒks/.

What does "paradox" mean?▾

Paradox: An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.

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