antinomy

[an-tin-uh-mee]

noun

plural

antinomies 

1. opposition between one law, principle, rule, etc., and another.

2. Philosophy.,  a contradiction between two statements, both apparently obtained by correct reasoning.

antinomy

/ ˌæntɪˈnɒmɪk, ænˈtɪnəmɪ /

noun

1. opposition of one law, principle, or rule to another; contradiction within a law

2. philosophy contradiction existing between two apparently indubitable propositions; paradox

Other Word Forms

• antinomic adjective
• antinomical adjective
• antinomically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antinomy¹

1585–95; < Latin antinomia < Greek antinomía a contradiction between laws. See anti-, -nomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of antinomy¹

C16: from Latin antinomia, from Greek: conflict between laws, from _anti- + nomos law

Example Sentences

Philosophers similarly examined the antinomy of the individual and the group, shaped by the periods of history and the dialectic.

From Washington Post

“The essay is structurally flawed by a false antinomy, an either/or scenario doomed to generate opinions rather than dialogue. Anyway, who wants to have an argument that only has two sides?”

From The New Yorker

In the Senate, opposition to Mr. Trump is already being led by the minority leader, Chuck Schumer, who is Mr. Trump’s central legislative antinomy.

From New York Times

In an essay on “Golden Ages” in his “Prejudices: Philosophical Dictionary,” Robert Nisbet argued that a great period of ferment and achievement often features a “dialectical antinomy.”

From Seattle Times

In some instances this apparent antinomy is doubtful.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• action 
• hostility 
• resistance 
• struggle