as in irrational
very strange or unusual; having the quality of a dream
a surreal atmosphere at the festival The whole situation was completely surreal.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of surreal
Her mother was an artist who used an extra bedroom to craft surreal, organic sculptures that sprouted hands and breasts.
—
Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Jan. 2025
Even still, a playoff game with quarterback Josh Allen, coach Sean McDermott and everybody else on the other sideline will be a bit surreal.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
As police officers forced the front door of her family’s home open with a battering ram, Shari captured the surreal scene, later posting it to her account for her 621,000 followers.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
This is my 25th puzzle for The New York Times, which feels pretty surreal.
—Sam Corbin, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surreal 
Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Jan. 2025
Even still, a playoff game with quarterback Josh Allen, coach Sean McDermott and everybody else on the other sideline will be a bit surreal.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
As police officers forced the front door of her family’s home open with a battering ram, Shari captured the surreal scene, later posting it to her account for her 621,000 followers.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
This is my 25th puzzle for The New York Times, which feels pretty surreal.
—Sam Corbin, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surreal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surreal
Adjective
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Now comes a cataclysm in the country’s foremost blue state that is traceable, in part, to irrational progressive priorities and may prove a millstone around the neck of one of the foremost talents on the Democratic bench, California governor Gavin Newsom.—
Rich Lowry,
National Review,
15 Jan. 2025
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After a turbulent period of irrational exuberance followed by skepticism, the creator economy appears poised for its second major growth cycle, with M&A activity forecast to accelerate significantly in 2025.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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So, not a Rangers record, but certainly one for the weird record books in this weird season.—
Arthur Staple,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
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Saloon and Honda 0 SUV retain a lot of what made the concepts so weird and different — and not necessarily in an off-putting way.—
Andrew J. Hawkins,
The Verge,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Asked if there’s a moment that’s especially strange, like when the lineup is introduced or when the game starts, Beal said every moment is weird.—
Doug Haller,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
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The relationship ended abruptly when Vanessa Townsend, Townsend’s wife, received a strange flower delivery accompanied by a note informing her of the affair.—
Paige Harriss,
ABC News,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In the comments, many people criticized the niece for disregarding her uncle's feelings and making an unreasonable request.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
14 Jan. 2025
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Most Canadians supported the move and opposed the weekslong blockades, but the Federal Court of Canada ruled last year that the use of the powers was unreasonable.—
Amanda Coletta The Washington Post,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Lies, no matter how absurd, gain traction the more they're repeated.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
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In yet another absurd Elon Musk news story, it's been revealed that people are betting on how many times the owner of X will post on his platform in a week.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That helped law enforcement make the unusual traffic stop more than an hour later.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
15 Jan. 2025
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The viewer sees what the ghost sees, an unusual approach to the genre that pays off in a third-act twist.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After all, we too are drawn to violent, meaningless spectacle to distract us from matters of substance.—
Chris Vognar,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Jan. 2025
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Hence this 'coalition' & tough talk about 'tightening' sanctions is entirely meaningless as absolutely nothing will change.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near surreal
Cite this Entry
“Surreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surreal. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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