theater of the absurd

noun phrase

: theater that seeks to represent the absurdity of human existence in a meaningless universe by bizarre or fantastic means

Examples of theater of the absurd in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Sell tickets to the theater of the absurd in chambers. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 20 Dec. 2023 But this whole saga has, at times, taken center stage in the theater of the absurd. Bill Oram, oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theater of the absurd.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theater of the absurd was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near theater of the absurd

Cite this Entry

“Theater of the absurd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theater%20of%20the%20absurd. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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