- His only choice was to become an architect.
- Oxymoron: "only choice"
- Explanation: Having only one option is not truly a "choice," as choice implies having multiple options.
- Mrs. Robert is an awfully learned physics professor.
- Oxymoron: "awfully learned"
- Explanation: "Awfully" usually means very bad, while "learned" means highly educated; combining them creates a contradiction.
- Her sister took the larger half of the pineapple cake.
- Oxymoron: "larger half"
- Explanation: A "half" is exactly one of two equal parts; there cannot be a "larger" half.
- The sofa was made of genuine imitation leather.
- Oxymoron: "genuine imitation"
- Explanation: "Genuine" means real, while "imitation" means fake; they contradict each other.
- It is an open secret that we are leaving for Canada.
- Oxymoron: "open secret"
- Explanation: A "secret" is something hidden, while "open" means publicly known; this contradicts the nature of a secret.
- We were hoping the car dealer would give us an exact estimate.
- Oxymoron: "exact estimate"
- Explanation: An "estimate" is an approximation, while "exact" means precise; these terms oppose each other.
- The children put the stuff toys in random order.
- Oxymoron: "random order"
- Explanation: "Random" means without order or pattern, so it contradicts the idea of being "in order."
- The acrobats in the circus drew a small crowd.
- Oxymoron: "small crowd"
- Explanation: A "crowd" implies a large group of people, making "small" contradictory.
- My company will give a working holiday next week.
- Oxymoron: "working holiday"
- Explanation: A "holiday" is typically time off from work, so "working" during it is contradictory.
- Helen is the second best athlete in her club team.
- Oxymoron: "second best"
- Explanation: "Best" means top or number one, so being "second" contradicts being the "best."
- The bills that the tenant showed were real-fake.
- Oxymoron: "real-fake"
- Explanation: "Real" and "fake" are opposites; something cannot be both at the same time.
- There was a deafening silence in the senate.
- Oxymoron: "deafening silence"
- Explanation: "Deafening" implies extremely loud noise, while "silence" is the absence of sound; they are opposites.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of oxymoron worksheet.
