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

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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