What is an example of an oxymoron?

Prepare for the USTET English Test with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Detailed hints and explanations are included to help you excel.

An example of an oxymoron is "deafening silence." An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. In this case, "deafening" implies an overwhelming sound that is typically loud, while "silence" denotes the complete absence of sound. The juxtaposition of these opposing ideas creates a striking effect, highlighting the profound nature of silence, which can often feel as strong and impactful as a loud noise. This phrase vividly illustrates how silence can be so intense that it feels almost palpable or overwhelming, thereby effectively demonstrating the concept of an oxymoron.

Other options, while they also contain opposing elements, may not convey the same immediate contrast or vivid imagery that "deafening silence" does.

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