absurdism

noun

ab·​surd·​ism əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm  -ˈzər- 

: 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

Our political system vacillates between absurdism and horror. — Chloe Benjamain, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Amid a national cinema that has become internationally recognized for perverse plotting and deadpan absurdism, writer-director Alexis Alexiou‘s third feature stands out for its stark storytelling and earnest emotional intensity. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026

In fact, while Grozeva and Valchanov are profoundly grounded in their north Balkan homeland, there’s a lot of sensibility overlap here with the absurdism of the Greek Weird Wave of 2010s. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

But the absurdism matters less than the ability to be silly together, as this is a deeply intimate act. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above