absurdism

noun

ab·​surd·​ism əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce absurdism (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdism (audio)
: 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
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If this all sounds a little too safe and cutesy, then there are still the occasional absurdisms which lean into his reputation as a one-man chaos machine. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026 Both of us remember childhood weekends spent recording our own camcorder sketch shows — Lee imitating Dana Carvey’s Ross Perot and Molly Shannon’s Mary Catherine Gallagher, Jenn pushing the boundaries of absurdism far past the point of actually getting laughs. Lee Kelly, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 Genre-blending in Latin music is nothing new, but timing and execution set them apart, along with an uncanny ability to turn internet absurdism into cool songs, all wrapped in sharp musicianship and rock ’n’ roll panache. Maria Nenet Barrios, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026 Other artists have tried to tackle this melodrama by grounding us in specific characters’ perspectives, or by heightening the performances, but Fennell embraces the story’s fundamental absurdism by giving us absurd and often glorious images. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdism

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdism was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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