Does oxymoron has to be two adjacent words that contradicts?

Question

Oxymoron. Does it has to be two adjacent words or two words that contradicts each other but not adjacent?

Answer 1

No. It can be a statement that contradicts itsself also. Here's what Merriam Webster says: "a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly : something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements."

'Nuff said

Answer 2

The word oxymoron is itself oxymoronic because it is formed from two Greek roots of opposite meaning, oxys "sharp, keen," and moros "foolish," the same root that gives us the word moron.

single-word oxymora consisting of two morphemes that are dependent in English:
sophomore (wise fool)
pianoforte (soft-loud)

Single-word Oxymora Composed of Independent Morphemes:
spendthrift (pay-reluctance to pay)
bridegroom (new wife-new husband)
bittersweet (unpleasantly sharp taste-pleasingly sweet taste)
ballpoint (round-sharp)
speechwriting (oral-scribed)
firewater (burning-that which puts out fire)
someone (quantity-sole entity)

Answer 3

well given its two words combined that dont make sense they pretty much are / have to be adjacent as its usually a noun adjective combo

eg military intelligence

Answer 4

Usually it's two words. Sometimes, it may be three if you put in a preposition or article or whatever you may call it.

Free with purchase?

Answer 5

Yes.

Answer 6

"conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence')" striaght from the dictionary. So, yes they must be conjoined, such as jumbo shrimp, etc.

Answer 7

the words American inteligent are typical of an oxymoron,,
(sorry tounge in cheek)

Answer 8

Sometimes it can be a 3-word phrase, as in "true crime novels."

Answer 9

yes