ABSURD Synonyms: 198 Similar and Opposite Words

absurd

adjective

əb-ˈsərd

Definition of absurd

as in bizarre

conceived or made without regard for reason or reality absurd claims of having been abducted by UFO's

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silly

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment an absurd rule that bicycles are not allowed in the park

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter it's absurd to expect to make a killing in the stock market overnight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of absurd There's an absurd scientific explanation for these events, but the movie doesn't spend too much time on it, which is mostly for the best within the bounds of its sub-100-minute run. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 In Braun’s script, the merciless obstacle course of singlehood seems just absurd. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 However, just as absurd are the directions the story takes from that point on, and the mechanics by which its central family secures their eventual happy ending. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and amplifier of the most absurd of MAGA’s many election-denying claims, was defeated convincingly in his bid for the GOP nomination for governor. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurd

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absurd

Adjective

After meeting with a young, female director, who offers him the chance to play a bizarre and deeply unsympathetic character in her debut feature, Niaz leaves the audition unconvinced (and pretty offended).

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2026
Barring anything bizarre unfolding in the next few weeks, Smack will almost certainly be the Packers’ Week 1 kicker in Minnesota.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

The Astros’ rotation is in such a state that ruling anyone out as a candidate to start games seems silly, but their actions indicate Imai is something of a last resort.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
So, even though Jay spent the song drawing a line between his own sophistication and the rest of the rap world’s childish behavior, 13 years later, kids are turning his luxury flex into a silly dance.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

Related Stories The film follows a woman facing menopause who turns to a folk healer who draws her into a series of increasingly ridiculous rituals, driving her to the edge of madness in search of her own liberation.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
So coach Matt Logan decided to do something even more ridiculous with his playcalling.

— Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of ridiculous

Adjective

That’s economically foolish and potentially devastating for patients.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
As some of us will inevitably succumb to its grand and growing illusion, the rest may get the opportunity to find the key to understanding how so many others could be fooled and so foolish.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of foolish

Adjective

Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy.

— Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Adjective

And while lots of eras and trades are different and dependent on the market at the time, Shaq going for just one first-round pick, even at 31, still seems unreal.

— Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
When the maple leaves turn red and temples or mountain areas are illuminated at night, the landscape feels almost unreal.

— Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026