absurdism

noun

ab·​surd·​ism əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce absurdism (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdism (audio)
: a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe compare existentialism

Examples of absurdism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a film that takes the quirky absurdism of Lewis Carrol’s book and the 1951 Disney film and drives it off a cliff. Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 Streaming on Disney+ Disney+ The Righteous Gemstones season 4 Danny McBride’s series wraps with this fourth season, centering on the titular televangelists’ absurdism. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2025 At its best, often spiked by gleefully gratuitous gore, this very tall Texas tale trades in a kind of snarky absurdism likely to leave suitably jaded viewers in stitches. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 The candy giant Reese’s has a plan to stand out in a Super Bowl awash with celebrity cameos: No famous faces, just 30 seconds of frenetic absurdism. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absurdism

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ism (probably after French absurdisme)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdism was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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