self-contradictory
adjective
self-con·tra·dic·to·ry
ˌself-ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 
: consisting of two contradictory members or parts
Examples of self-contradictory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But over the past century, many quantum physicists have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the agnostic, vague and sometimes self-contradictory pronouncements of the Copenhagenists.
—
Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
In fact, whiny, self-contradictory, and sanctimonious art has achieved a great deal of cultural-political, though not necessarily artistic, success.
—Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Some of Meta’s response to the book seems self-contradictory or misleading.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Oracular revelations are expected to be ambiguous but this one appeared to be self-contradictory.
—Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Think grindhouse listed on Zillow — a self-contradictory trend that sees disturbing and even outright objectionable material presented with a faux polish that can feel like biting into plastic fruit.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Dec. 2024
As written, the builder’s remedy includes seemingly self-contradictory provisions that seem to simultaneously allow developers an unlimited amount of density while also empowering local governments to apply their own standards.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
In fact, whiny, self-contradictory, and sanctimonious art has achieved a great deal of cultural-political, though not necessarily artistic, success.
—Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Some of Meta’s response to the book seems self-contradictory or misleading.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Oracular revelations are expected to be ambiguous but this one appeared to be self-contradictory.
—Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Think grindhouse listed on Zillow — a self-contradictory trend that sees disturbing and even outright objectionable material presented with a faux polish that can feel like biting into plastic fruit.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Dec. 2024
As written, the builder’s remedy includes seemingly self-contradictory provisions that seem to simultaneously allow developers an unlimited amount of density while also empowering local governments to apply their own standards.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Self-contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-contradictory. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share