surrealism

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ism sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
also -ˈrā-
: the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations
surrealist
sə-ˈrē-ə-list How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
also -ˈrā-
noun or adjective

Examples of surrealism in a Sentence

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As this is a Lynch film, explaining the rest of the plot would be a pointless exercise, but expect plentiful violence, stylish surrealism, and a road movie that’ll shock and delight in equal measure. — Daisy Jones, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 The non-competitive Memory & Utopia section revisits seven decades of cinema through 14 films exploring the interplay of fantasy, surrealism and historical memory. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 But rather than succumbing to any one style, Lam developed a unique voice shaped by surrealism, cubism and his heritage as the son of a Chinese immigrant father and a mixed-race mother. — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham Nicola Peltz Beckham opted for Balenciaga’s sculptural surrealism with a dress from the fall 2026 couture collection. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surrealism

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surrealism was in 1925

Rhymes for surrealism

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on surrealism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surrealism

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