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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Mamdani sparks online frenzy as 'absurd' housing claim is floated at 'freak show' event. — FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 The pilot episode of the legendary sitcom premiered on NBC on July 5, 1989, changing television by focusing on everyday — often absurd — occurrences instead of tantalizing drama, serial plots or episodic story arcs. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 At a time when politics is so absurd and disturbing, maybe political comedy is less funny. — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurd

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absurd

Adjective

The bizarre Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

This year’s list includes what may be America’s last remaining players with free 2020 eligibility (silly us, thinking that ended last year) — and even a few who began their careers in the 2010s.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Depp engaged the crowd with silly skits for nearly half a hour.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wrote a ridiculous letter in Comic Sans and posted it on the team website until James came back in 2014.

— Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 July 2026
My 15-year-old will want Daniel Caesar; my 11-year-old will want Lauren Spencer Smith; and my 8-year-old will want some ridiculous kid song.

— Marah Eakin, Vulture, 23 July 2026

Definition of ridiculous

Adjective

Johnson continued this week to push for his foolish and counterproductive desire to impose a $33-per-month tax on each Chicago job generated by the city’s largest private-sector employers.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
As is, this is a foolish thriller that prompts the occasional snicker but not much more.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of foolish

Adjective

Never in my lifetime has pathetic nostalgia for the white man’s republic been closer to the center of power.

— Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Instagram Plus is social media’s newest low—a company preying on our most pathetic impulses, for the price of a small iced coffee.

— Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of pathetic

Adjective

These digital technologies have also created an echo chamber of self-confirming views, which has contributed to an unreal, simplified view of a nuanced, messy world.

— Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
The air is fresh and clean, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026