reductio ad absurdum

noun

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re·duc·tio ad ab·sur·dum | \ ri-ˈdək-tē-ˌō-ˌad-əb-ˈsər-dəm

How to pronounce reductio ad absurdum (audio)

, -ˈdək-sē-ō-, -shē-, -ˈzər- \

Definition of reductio ad absurdum

1 : disproof of a proposition by showing an absurdity to which it leads when carried to its logical conclusion

2 : the carrying of something to an absurd extreme

Examples of reductio ad absurdum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some might see Trader Joe’s as the reductio ad absurdum of this movement’s political demands. — Daniel Henninger, WSJ, "Joe Biden’s Cabinet of Diversity," 16 Dec. 2020 The reductio ad absurdum of monument revisionism is thus in sight. — Stanley Kurtz, National Review, "Against the 1619 Curriculum," 17 Sep. 2020 The reductio ad absurdum of these scenes comes in a brief discussion between Woodward and Trump on racial justice, amid interviews that are ostensibly about the coronavirus. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, "Bob Woodward’s Bad Characters," 15 Sep. 2020 But believe it or not, this reductio ad absurdum has caused major drama at the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Canadians Who Didn’t Say ‘Sorry’," 12 Apr. 2019 Consider the logic of her reductio ad absurdum conclusion. — Daniel Henninger, WSJ, "Gun Control After Las Vegas," 4 Oct. 2017

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

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Cite this Entry

“Reductio ad absurdum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reductio%20ad%20absurdum. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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