absurdism
noun
ab·surd·ism
əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm 
-ˈzər-
-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
The setup is familiar, but the film is wry, vivid and moving in unexpected ways — a testament to Jacobs’ singular touch, his gently eccentric blend of comic absurdism and emotional generosity.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2023
Some of this rather strongly recalls the depressive absurdism and cracked ambition of Charlie Kaufman, another filmmaker unshy about mining his own dysfunction for deranged laughs.
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 20 Apr. 2023
His absurdism was retweeted into my feed nearly every day.
—Longreads, 14 Apr. 2023
The postwar celebratory mood was shadowed by disillusionment and absurdism.
—David Denby, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2022
The second has absurdism.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2021
This is the kind of comedy where the big school rivalry climactically resolves with literal casualties (which the characters shrug off, naturally—a prime example of its go-for-broke absurdism).
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 12 Mar. 2023
The city’s avant-garde theater and dance scene regularly influences his work, in particular shows by the contemporary dance troupe Ultima Vez and the performance artists Diederik Peeters and Miet Warlop, both of whom fuse elements of horror and absurdism in their practices.
—New York Times, 24 Nov. 2021
Theirs is a world of absurdism and extremes, but one which the filmmaking duo is determined to approach with an open mind.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 24 Mar. 2022
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David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2023
Some of this rather strongly recalls the depressive absurdism and cracked ambition of Charlie Kaufman, another filmmaker unshy about mining his own dysfunction for deranged laughs.
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 20 Apr. 2023
His absurdism was retweeted into my feed nearly every day.
—Longreads, 14 Apr. 2023
The postwar celebratory mood was shadowed by disillusionment and absurdism.
—David Denby, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2022
The second has absurdism.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2021
This is the kind of comedy where the big school rivalry climactically resolves with literal casualties (which the characters shrug off, naturally—a prime example of its go-for-broke absurdism).
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 12 Mar. 2023
The city’s avant-garde theater and dance scene regularly influences his work, in particular shows by the contemporary dance troupe Ultima Vez and the performance artists Diederik Peeters and Miet Warlop, both of whom fuse elements of horror and absurdism in their practices.
—New York Times, 24 Nov. 2021
Theirs is a world of absurdism and extremes, but one which the filmmaking duo is determined to approach with an open mind.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 24 Mar. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absurdism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
absurd entry 1 + -ism (probably after French absurdisme)
First Known Use
1946, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near absurdism
Cite this Entry
“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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