paradox

noun

1. An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.

   Example “"This sentence is false" is a paradox.”

2. A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.

   Example “It is an interesting paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.”

3. A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true.

   Example “Not having a fashion is a fashion; that's a paradox.”

4. A thing involving contradictory yet interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time.

5. A person or thing having contradictory properties.

   Example “He is a paradox; you would not expect him in that political party.”

6. An unanswerable question or difficult puzzle, particularly one which leads to a deeper truth.

Related synonyms shocker, contradiction, juxtaposition, reverse psychology, enigma, koan, puzzle, quandary