surrealist

1 of 2

adjective

sur·​re·​al·​ist sə-ˈrē-ə-list also -ˈrā- 

variants or surrealistic

sə-ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik also -ˈrā- 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of surrealism

a surrealist film

surrealist art

surrealist literature

a surrealist painter

2

usually surrealistic : having a strange, dreamlike quality like that of a surrealist painting : surreal

Against a surrealistic urban landscape of howling stray dogs and the sand-encrusted remains of rusty automobiles and cement mixers, Marines … crouched motionless at every intersection …

—Robert D. Kaplan, The Atlantic, July/August 2004

3

: of, relating to, or resembling mental free association

surrealist

2 of 2

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ist sə-ˈrē-ə-list also -ˈrā- 

plural surrealists

: one who adheres to, practices, or follows surrealism

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

surrealist from French surréaliste, from sur- + réaliste realist; surrealistic from surrealist entry 2 + -ic

First Known Use

Adjective

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for surrealist

• idealist