absurdism

ab·surd·ism | \ əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm

How to pronounce absurdism (audio)

, -ˈzər-

How to pronounce absurdism (audio)

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Definition of absurdism

: 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 From the initial thread’s premise in commodity (or financial?) absurdism, the replies just got stranger. — Robert Hackett, Fortune, "The biggest change to credit scores in years – and what it means for fintechs," 29 Jan. 2020 In short, this is a premise steeped in absurdism or originated out of a gigantic bong, one or the other. — Tim Goodman, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Frankenstein's Monster's Monster, Frankenstein': TV Review," 16 July 2019 The underlying absurdity of the fugitive’s condition, as well as Transit’s understated modernism, belies Seghers’s reputation as a Marxist ideologue; most certainly this strain of absurdism helped interest Petzold in the material. — J. Hoberman, The New York Review of Books, "The Waiting Rooms of History," 7 Mar. 2019 While Mike Nichols’ 1970 movie starring Alan Arkin tackled a lot of the absurdism of the original novel, this adaptation seems darker and more visceral about the realities of war that plagued main character Yossarian (played here by Abbott). — Marie Claire, "8 TV Shows Dropping This Summer You Won't Want to Miss," 11 Mar. 2019 Sorry to Bother You’s absurdism and energy translates into blocky, bright pink type. — Eliza Brooke, Vox, "Sorry to Bother You," 12 Nov. 2018 Some jarring comic absurdism is added through the unusually obtrusive presence of Aunt March’s parrot. — New York Times, "Review: ‘Little Women,’ Through British Eyes," 11 May 2018 There are hints of David Lynch's macabre absurdism here, but also some agreeably carnivalesque interludes reminiscent of Federico Fellini, Emir Kusturica and even Wes Anderson. — Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Volcano': Film Review | Karlovy Vary 2018," 13 July 2018 Since its formation in Idaho in 1993, Built To Spill has embraced the most robust elements of classic rock while incorporating the slacker sensibility, righteous absurdism and healthy snark of indie-rock to create an innovative new sound. — Bill Brownlee, kansascity, "Break out your flannel: Built to Spill will thrill at Middle of the Map Fest," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'absurdism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

10 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.

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