An oxymoron (plural "oxymora" or "oxymorons") (noun) is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms (e.g. "deafening silence"). Oxymoron is a Greek term derived from oxy ("sharp") and moros ("dull"), which technically also make the word itself an oxymoron. Oxymora are a proper subset of the expressions called contradiction in terms. What distinguishes oxymora from other paradoxes and contradictions is that they are used intentionally, for rhetorical effect, and the contradiction is only apparent, as the combination of terms provides a novel expression of some concept.
The most common form of oxymoron involves an adjective–noun combination. For example, the following line from Tennyson's Idylls of the King contains two oxymora:

Backcountry - Oxymoronic phrases and sentences, plus quotes from Dan Quayle.
Meta Description: [ Backpacking & Backcountry Oxymorons and Oxymoronic word phrases one might hear in the outback. ]
Ethan's Oxymorons Page - Includes word list and definition with famous oxymorons from George Carlin.
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Index of Oxymora - List of oxymora in alphabetical order.
Internet Oxymoron List - Large compiled list of oxymorons.
Meta Description: [ The Internet's Best List of Oxymoron's ]
Oxymora - A commentary on and list of oxymora.
Meta Description: [ A comprehensive listing of oxymorons (or, to be more precise, oxymora). ]
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Oxymora Examples - Wordplay from Gonzaga University.
Oxymora Lists - Serious and Humorous - Includes introduction and multipage listings of oxymorons.
Meta Description: [ Oxmora (aka: oxymorons) are brought together from several sources to illustrate contradictions in usage. ]
Oxymoron List - Top twenty ranking and large list of oxymorons.
Meta Description: [ The largest list of oxymorons ever collected online. ]
Oxymoronology - An essay on oxymora by Richard Lederer.
Oxymorons.com - Contains definition and word list plus information about the band called Oxymorons.
Meta Description: [ Oxymorons, a seriously fun seven piece band which has been exciting audiences in the
greater Washington area with its irresistibly danceable blend of blues-rock-funk music. ]
Oxymorons.info - List of oxymorons categorized by subject and alphabet.
Meta Description: [ List of Oxymorons categorized by subject and other criteria. ]
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