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

The decrease was driven, paradoxically, by cleaner air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

So, paradoxically, war can leave investors uneasy about shares of defense contractors.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

The economic absurdity becomes clear when we consider that firms adopting AI most successfully would paradoxically see revenue collapse under hourly billing, even as they deliver superior results more efficiently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

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

I go along with the Kiss of Peace, but paradoxically I feel isolated sitting in half-empty churches among people I am suddenly aware of not knowing.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez