Which term describes the use of two contradictory terms together, such as 'deafening silence'?

• A. Simile
• B. Metaphor
• C. Pun
• D. Oxymoron

Answer: (D)

An oxymoron is a compact pairing of two opposite or contradictory terms that are placed together to create a striking or thought-provoking effect. When you hear “deafening silence,” the idea is that silence, usually the absence of sound, is described as if it were loud enough to overpower you. The contrast between deafening (a word associated with loud noise) and silence (no sound) signals a strong emotional or atmospheric impression that a plain description wouldn’t convey.

This differs from a simile or a metaphor, which use comparisons to explain something (similes use like or as, metaphors state one thing is another). A pun, on the other hand, relies on wordplay and multiple meanings rather than a paradoxical pairing of opposites. Other common oxymorons include “jumbo shrimp,” “bittersweet,” and “pretty ugly.”