paradoxically

American  

[par-uh-dok-sik-lee] / ˌpær əˈdɒk sɪk li /

adverb

1. in a self-contradictory or seemingly self-contradictory way.

   Paradoxically, the more we know, the more we identify an increasing number of questions to which we as yet have no answers.

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Other Word Forms

• nonparadoxically adverb
• ultraparadoxically adverb
• unparadoxically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paradoxically

paradoxical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Gulf Coast, the closure paradoxically contributes to high margins for producing diesel and gasoline that will likely benefit its existing plants.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

A keystone’s angled downward pressure on each side locks the larger form in place, paradoxically allowing the arch to rise up.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

The oddball nature of the product, paradoxically, is probably the reason you’ve heard of it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

The show’s nagging flaw—its broad scope and superabundance of characters—is also, paradoxically, its strength.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

He seemed to be really hurt but, paradoxically, he was the only one willing to talk.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer