Which term best describes the blending of contradictory elements?

The term that best describes the blending of contradictory elements is "oxymoron." An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two seemingly opposing or contradictory terms are combined to create a new meaning or highlight a particular point, such as in phrases like "bittersweet" or "deafening silence." This juxtaposition often draws attention to a complex truth or creates an ironic effect, engaging the reader's interest and prompting deeper reflection.

In contrast, a metaphor involves an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting a similarity without using "like" or "as." A simile also makes a comparison but does so explicitly with "like" or "as." Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, which focuses on sound patterns rather than meaning. Each of these terms serves distinct functions in language and literature, making oxymoron the appropriate choice for describing contradictory elements being blended.