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View synonyms for absurd

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • abˈsurdity, noun
  • abˈsurdly, adverb
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of absurd1

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

Whatever the reason, and however absurd their beliefs may seem, American evangelicals are deadly serious.

And, as any good public defender would, Wolf says the allegations are absurd.

It is not merely morally absurd to suggest that facts do not matter; as a person of color, it is insulting and degrading.

A lot of folks this week have responded to the absurd question, “What does Valerie Jarrett really do?”

That suggestion turns absurd when you consider the long list of corrupt Democrat politicians Lynch has sent to prison.

Tressan fell suddenly to groaning and wringing his hands a pathetic figure had it been less absurd.

The charges in general are quite reasonable, though I have paid one or two absurd bills.

I believe I murmured something suitable, but it was absurd to pretend to be overjoyed at the news.

Judge: If I hear any more absurd comparisons, I will give you twelve months.

Absurd as that taffeta dress was for a child of her age, it seemed to her an armor against all disaster.

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abstrusityabsurdism