Using the phrase "the sound of silence" is an example of what rhetorical device?

The phrase "the sound of silence" is an example of an oxymoron because it juxtaposes two seemingly contradictory concepts: sound and silence. In essence, sound implies noise or auditory activity, while silence denotes the absence of sound. The combination of these opposing ideas creates a unique phrase that draws attention to the profound nature of silence itself and evokes deeper contemplation about the quiet moments in life. By utilizing this rhetorical device, the phrase captures the complexity of emotion associated with silence, enriching the meaning.

While paradox might seem plausible as it presents a statement that seems self-contradictory yet may reveal a deeper truth, oxymoron specifically points to the contradictory pairing of words, making it the more precise choice in this context. Contrast involves highlighting differences, and ambiguity pertains to uncertainty or having multiple interpretations—both of which do not specifically apply to this phrase in the same clear-cut manner as oxymoron does.