absurd

[ uhb-surd, -zurd ]

adjective

1. utterly or obviously senseless, illogical, or untrue; contrary to all reason or common sense; laughably foolish or false:

   an absurd explanation.

   Synonyms: nonsensical, ludicrous, silly, irrational

   Antonyms: sensible, logical

noun

1. the quality or condition of existing in a meaningless and irrational world.

absurd

/ əbˈsɜːd /

adjective

1. at variance with reason; manifestly false
2. ludicrous; ridiculous

noun

1. the absurd
   sometimes capital philosophy the conception of the world, esp in Existentialist thought, as neither designed nor predictable but irrational and meaningless

Derived Forms

• abˈsurdity, noun
• abˈsurdly, adverb

Other Words From

• ab·surd·ly adverb
• ab·surd·ness noun
• su·per·ab·surd adjective
• su·per·ab·surd·ly adverb
• su·per·ab·surd·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of absurd¹

First recorded in 1550–60, absurd is from the Latin word absurdus out of tune, uncouth, ridiculous. See ab-, surd

Word History and Origins

Origin of absurd¹

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab- ¹(intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Synonym Study

Absurd, ridiculous, preposterous all mean inconsistent with reason or common sense. Absurd means utterly opposed to truth or reason: an absurd claim. Ridiculous implies that something is fit only to be laughed at, perhaps contemptuously: a ridiculous suggestion. Preposterous implies an extreme of foolishness: a preposterous proposal.

Example Sentences

The following quote is making the rounds on social media in light of these absurd Cabinet nominations:

From Salon

Any theory, no matter how absurd, can fly when given the green light by those who should know better.

From Salon

That is utterly absurd and most people know it.

From Salon

This absurd election season does lend itself to simple-minded thinking.

From Los Angeles Times

The video sketch takes several dark and absurd turns, includes a “Hidden Figures” reference and ends triumphantly … sort of.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crazy
• foolish
• goofy
• illogical
• irrational
• laughable
• ludicrous
• nonsensical
• preposterous
• silly
• stupid
• unreasonable
• wacky