absurdity

noun

ab·​sur·​di·​ty əb-ˈsər-də-tē How to pronounce absurdity (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdity (audio)
plural absurdities
1
: the quality or state of being absurd : absurdness
They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.
2
: something that is absurd
the absurdities of life

Examples of absurdity in a Sentence

to say men can't cook as well as women is of course an absurdity the absurdity of expecting a 98-year-old woman to adequately supervise four six-year-olds
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.
Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media. Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2025 Trump has always trafficked in absurdity, but there was a time when his bombast at least had a strategic purpose. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 His protagonists are everyday people—unlikely heroes—who confront the absurdities of modern life. Robert Lang, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 Green, who previously worked at GQ, excitedly mines the absurdity of this kind of experience, carefully detailing how Moretti runs his estate. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for absurdity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absurditee "dissonance, unjust practice," borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French absurdité, borrowed from Late Latin absurditāt-, absurditās, from Latin absurdus absurd entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdity was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near absurdity

Cite this Entry

“Absurdity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdity. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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