This post contains examples of Oxymoron that should come in handy anytime you need them in your Literature class.
But before you jump to my interesting list of Oxymoron examples, let’s briefly define the term Oxymoron.
Definition of Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two usually opposite terms or words are used close to each other in a brief expression.
What Are the Functions of Literature?
Pulitzer Prize Fiction List: Winners Since 1918
Oxymoron Examples
Below is a list containing instances of the literary device known as oxymoron.
1. Most foul, most fair
2. Pure impiety
3. Impious purity
4. Friendly Enemy
5. Harmless lion
6. Pregnant virgin
7. True Lies
8. Loud silence
9. Inflammable river
10. Painful joys
11. Victory in defeat
12. Fearless cowardice
13. Diligent indolence
14. Hazy clarity
15. Benevolent dictator
16. Knowing ignorance
17. Strange familiarity
18. The absence of being present
19. Little heroes
20. Freedom in slavery
21. Still movement
22. Careless caution
23. The living dead
24. The beginning of the end
25. Pitiless sympathy
26. Flimsy glories
27. Turbulent tranquillity
28. Low heights
29. The innocence of guilt
30. Benevolent dictator
31. Shallow depths
32. Ethical Bribe
33. Liquid rock
34. Active retirement
35. Strong weakling
36. Yesterday’s tomorrow
37. Heaven on earth
38. Hellish bliss
39. Blissful Armageddon
40. Blind vision
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Next Steps
Which examples of oxymoron in the list above did you find interesting? Do you have your own examples of this figure of speech that you would love to share with our readers? Go ahead and share them in the comment box below.
Now if you wish to have a much larger collection of literary devices and figures of speech examples, you will find them right here at Cegast Academy.
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Ralph Nyadzi is the Director of Studies at Cegast Academy. He is a qualified English tutor with decades of experience behind him. Since 2001, he has successfully coached thousands of High School General Arts WASSCE candidates in English, Literature and related subjects. He combines his expertise with a passion for lifelong learning to guide learners from varying backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. Ralph shares lessons from his blogging journey on BloggingtotheMax. He lives with River, his pet cat, in the Central Region of Ghana.
