1
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
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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Recent Examples of absurd
The results are both dangerous and absurd: Germany sued for regulating coal pollution; Australia targeted for tobacco controls; Central American countries penalized for protecting their water.
—
Nathalie Kelley, Time, 17 June 2025
The concept of humans possessing an internal calendar that was somehow capable of determining when roughly a month had gone by was too absurd to be believed—particularly from the person who had helped convince me for half my young life that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny were real.
—Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Or is this just another strange and absurd chapter in a long series of them?
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for absurd
Nathalie Kelley, Time, 17 June 2025
The concept of humans possessing an internal calendar that was somehow capable of determining when roughly a month had gone by was too absurd to be believed—particularly from the person who had helped convince me for half my young life that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny were real.
—Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Or is this just another strange and absurd chapter in a long series of them?
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for absurd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absurd
Adjective
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While most players at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship are battling the Texas heat, slow play, and a demanding Fields Ranch East layout, Leona Maguire is dealing with something far more bizarre—tick bites!—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The bizarre mix of world football and American football was once again clashing early in the game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Jeff: This has been such a silly way to seed the in-season tournament.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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The director relishes delivering more of the brutal horror sequences that were the first film’s hallmark, but unlike 28 Days Later’s tight, suffocating narrative, here the story is more sprawling — and a whole lot sillier.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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And finally… As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Even for a show that’s famous for its silliness, this is a ridiculous storyline.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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This seems foolish since the U.S. has some 25-30% of the world’s coal, which is even more than China.—
Jude Clemente,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.—
Benjamin Hale
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Nevertheless, the squad needs to shift strategies and Sonny is here to take them from pathetic to aggressive.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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Jarvis’ performance is transformative, making Mark both pathetic and feverishly alive, his corrosive remorse seemingly genuine.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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And, if Mateer and Ott are as-advertised, this could be an unreal year for the Sooners.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absurd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absurd. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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