reductio ad absurdum

noun

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

-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

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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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Dictionary Entries near reductio ad absurdum

reductio ad absurdum

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The first known use of reductio ad absurdum was in 1741

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