surrealism

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ism sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

 also  -ˈrā-

: the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations

surrealist

sə-ˈrē-ə-list 

 also  -ˈrā-

noun or adjective

Examples of surrealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just call Jason Segel's first encounter with Martin Scorsese flush with surrealism. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025

At 11:30, as the simultaneously pompous and obsequious gate agent announces the passengers above gold status, the bit, already tilting toward insanity, leaves any attempt to portray a real airport behind and dives fully into Alice in Wonderland–level surrealism. —John Roy, Vulture, 8 May 2025

Robinson’s brand of middle-class psycho surrealism works perfectly in bite-size sketch-comedy doses. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025

Simmering under the surface of both brands were references to art and surrealism, plus sly commentary about the perils of technology, social media and our estrangement from nature. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surrealism

• idealism
• neorealism