oxymoron an oxymoron is when two opposite words are placed together oxymorons are used for dramatic effect and entertainment let's go through some examples we have a love-hate relationship this oxymoron is commonly used if your feelings towards someone change suddenly and from love to hate Ben shared a terrible joke during the party oxymorons are also used to add interest and playfulness to your writing the food was awfully good remember that an oxymoron is when two opposite words are placed side by side therefore they must be next to each other foreign