surrealism

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ism sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
: the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations
surrealist
sə-ˈrē-ə-list How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
noun or adjective

Examples of surrealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This Versailles-meets-surrealism palace hotel is set on the doorstep of the Tuileries Garden, where hotel staff can arrange for carousel rides and loaner toy sailboats. Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025 Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 His introspective works would range from stories of ordinary life to more overt surrealism, their atmospheres tinged with dreaminess, eroticism and mysterious tensions. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2025 Kanyinsola is also inspired by memory, mood, spirituality, and surrealism. Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surrealism

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surrealism was in 1925

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Cite this Entry

“Surrealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surrealism. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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