absurdist

adjective

ab·​surd·​ist əb-ˈsər-dist How to pronounce absurdist (audio)
-ˈzər-
: of, relating to, or characterized by the absurd or by absurdism : absurd
absurdist literature
an absurdist sense of humor
absurdist noun

Examples of absurdist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gentling the Horse’s absurdist humor and breakneck tempos signify a sharp break from 2023’s melancholy The Art of Forgetting. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 Seeing the social media reaction to Murphy's absurdist comments, the answer to that is, of course, no because underdog narratives, no matter how fake, are still immensely popular. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Fielder started in the realm of absurdist comedy, and with the Holmes project moves into a world of watercooler high crimes and compelling fourth-wall breaking. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 Emmy winners Tatiana Maslany and John Turturro and Tony winner Tony Shalhoub will take to the Broadway stage this spring in a Roundabout Theatre Company revival of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist classic Rhinoceros, last seen on Broadway in 1961. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdist

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ist entry 1 (probably after French absurdiste)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdist was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

absurdism
absurdist
absurdity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absurdist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdist. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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