absurdist

adjective

ab·​surd·​ist əb-ˈsər-dist 

-ˈzər-

: of, relating to, or characterized by the absurd or by absurdism : absurd

absurdist literature

an absurdist sense of humor

absurdist noun

Examples of absurdist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The movie, directed by filmmakers David Zeller and Nathan Zeller, uses absurdist humor to tell the story of a group of aliens who visit Earth while disguised as a 1950s biker gang. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026

Tóibín practises a sustained reticence, even as fate strikes so cruelly as to give this story an absurdist edge. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026

Instead, Joe’s bureaucratic limbo provides a route into questions of usefulness, intimacy and belonging, combining an absurdist view of the future with a warmer, more humanist register. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Of the recent tide of Gen-Z offerings, this is the best of the bunch, with its mix of absurdist humor and heartfelt sentiment. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ist entry 1 (probably after French absurdiste)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above