absurdism

noun

ab·​surd·​ism əb-ˈsər-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce absurdism (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdism (audio)
: a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe compare existentialism

Examples of absurdism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clowning is a way of pushing back against that and bringing silliness and absurdism into live comedy. Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 How to explain the absurdism and the despair of his writing, which stands as one of the crowning achievements of Turkish literature? Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024 The film is a head-spinning allegory on power and a vision of the future made with an idiosyncratic anything-goes tone that blends melodrama, absurdism, satire, classicism and sense of genuine stylistic freedom. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 Rashida Jones, Will McCormack (USA), 2023 Watching Bill Marsh teach children how to swim is like witnessing a great opera, one filled with intense agony and ecstasy, absurdism, fear, hope, despair, joy, connection, love, some vomit, and lots of belching. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for absurdism 

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

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ism (probably after French absurdisme)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdism was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near absurdism

Cite this Entry

“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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