absurdity

noun

ab·​sur·​di·​ty əb-ˈsər-də-tē How to pronounce absurdity (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdity (audio)
plural absurdities
Synonyms of absurditynext
1
: the quality or state of being absurd : absurdness
They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.
2
: something that is absurd
the absurdities of life

Synonyms of absurdity

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Examples of absurdity in a Sentence

to say men can't cook as well as women is of course an absurdity the absurdity of expecting a 98-year-old woman to adequately supervise four six-year-olds
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.
That obsession reached its peak of exuberant absurdity on a Friday in late July of 1995. — Adam Sztykiel, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 There’s also great comedy to be found in the absurdity of modern life, as evidenced in Parmesan, Berlant’s second comedy special, fresh off its HBO debut. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 Early on, Sakurai exploits the inherent absurdity of telling a story populated by so many ludicrous characters. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Luhansk, this terra incognita of the independent Ukraine, is described in almost carnivalesque terms, but this is a carnival infused with absurdity and even cruelty. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absurditee "dissonance, unjust practice," borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French absurdité, borrowed from Late Latin absurditāt-, absurditās, from Latin absurdus absurd entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdity was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

absurdist
absurdity
absurdly
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Cite this Entry

“Absurdity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdity. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absurdity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absurdity

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