What term describes a statement that appears contradictory but may contain a truth?

The correct choice is "paradox" because a paradox is a statement that, at first glance, seems contradictory or illogical, but upon closer examination, reveals an underlying truth or insight. For example, the phrase "less is more" may seem counterintuitive, yet it suggests that simplicity can indeed be more effective than excess. This characteristic of paradox allows for deeper philosophical or artistic interpretation.

Other terms, while related to language and meaning, do not convey this particular nuance. An oxymoron refers to a specific pairing of contradictory terms, like "bittersweet," but does not imply a deeper truth. Irony involves a situation where there is a discrepancy between expectation and reality, rather than the presentation of a statement that encapsulates an apparent contradiction. A metaphor, on the other hand, involves a direct comparison between two unlike things for rhetorical effect and does not function as a contradiction. Thus, "paradox" is the most appropriate term for the description provided.