Linguistics term referring to the relationship between elements that can substitute for each other in a given context (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, or words in the same semantic field). Contrasts with 統語的関係 (syntagmatic relation).
See also: 統語的関係
"Ōkii" (big) and "chiisai" (small) are in a paradigmatic relation.
Paradigmatic relations, along with syntagmatic relations, are important concepts for understanding language systems.