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

But rather than succumbing to any one style, Lam developed a unique voice shaped by surrealism, cubism and his heritage as the son of a Chinese immigrant father and a mixed-race mother. — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham Nicola Peltz Beckham opted for Balenciaga’s sculptural surrealism with a dress from the fall 2026 couture collection. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Gottlieb, at the same time, made works merging surrealism with imagery inspired by masks and ritual objects from Africa, the Pacific, and Native North American cultures. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Wollner embraces her knack for surrealism as the piece bends time, past and present blurring. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surrealism

• idealism
• neorealism