Sisyphus
noun
Sis·y·phus
ˈsi-sə-fəs 
: a legendary king of Corinth condemned eternally to repeatedly roll a heavy rock up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top
Examples of Sisyphus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like a nautical Sisyphus, Lara tries to talk some sense into Tzarina.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025
His favorite piece is a bronze sculpture of Sisyphus pushing his massive rock uphill.
—Jabari Young, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Efforts to reform the federal government have long been akin to Sisyphus trying to push a huge boulder up a hill.
—Jerry Haar, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
In April, Baryshnikov Arts will present Sissy, a modern-day reimagining of Sisyphus written, choreographed, and directed by Celia Rowlson-Hall.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
In the Greek story of Sisyphus, the king was condemned for eternity to move a massive rock up a hill but never reach the summit.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025
Ben’s comment about Sisyphus the night before rattled around in my head.
—Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2024
The drama is directed by Jin Hyeok, who previously directed Sisyphus:The Myth, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Doctor Stranger, The Master’s Sun, City Hunter and Prosecutor Princess.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Every time Sisyphus neared the crest, the rock rolled back down to the bottom.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
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.
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025
His favorite piece is a bronze sculpture of Sisyphus pushing his massive rock uphill.
—Jabari Young, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Efforts to reform the federal government have long been akin to Sisyphus trying to push a huge boulder up a hill.
—Jerry Haar, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
In April, Baryshnikov Arts will present Sissy, a modern-day reimagining of Sisyphus written, choreographed, and directed by Celia Rowlson-Hall.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
In the Greek story of Sisyphus, the king was condemned for eternity to move a massive rock up a hill but never reach the summit.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025
Ben’s comment about Sisyphus the night before rattled around in my head.
—Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2024
The drama is directed by Jin Hyeok, who previously directed Sisyphus:The Myth, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Doctor Stranger, The Master’s Sun, City Hunter and Prosecutor Princess.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Every time Sisyphus neared the crest, the rock rolled back down to the bottom.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sisyphus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sisyphus. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share