antinomy
noun
an·tin·o·my an-ˈti-nə-mē 
plural antinomies
1
: a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles
2
: a fundamental and apparently unresolvable conflict or contradiction
antinomies of beauty and evil, freedom and slavery
Stephen Holden
Stephen Holden antinomic
ˌan-ti-ˈnä-mik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Civilization and barbarism is a classic antinomy in Argentine history, going all the way back to America’s conquest and the subsequent extermination of the native population in military campaigns. Jd Linville, Variety, 2 Nov. 2021 This demanded the forging of a new consciousness, one that would overcome the antinomies of subjective and objective, body and spirit, family and party. Marci Shore, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2017
Jd Linville, Variety, 2 Nov. 2021 This demanded the forging of a new consciousness, one that would overcome the antinomies of subjective and objective, body and spirit, family and party. Marci Shore, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2017 Word History
Etymology
German Antinomie, from Latin antinomia conflict of laws, from Greek, from anti- + nomos law — more at nimble
First Known Use
1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1
antinomy
noun
as in mystery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- mystery
- paradox
- riddle
- enigma
- dichotomy
- puzzle
- conundrum
- contradiction
- incongruity
- mystification
- puzzlement