A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase?

The figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase is called an oxymoron.

Here are some examples:

* Living dead

* Military intelligence

* Bitter sweet

* Deafening silence

* Pretty ugly

Oxymorons create a striking effect by juxtaposing seemingly incompatible ideas, often highlighting the complexity or ambiguity of the situation.