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. (sometimes capital) philosophy the conception of the world, esp in Existentialist thought, as neither designed nor predictable but irrational and meaningless

Other Word Forms

• absurdly adverb
• absurdness noun
• superabsurd adjective
• superabsurdly adverb
• superabsurdness noun
• absurdity 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

Watching it, Armando realizes his life, and maybe his country, has become a cheesy movie—absurd but not funny.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Food giant Campbell's has dismissed as "absurd" claims allegedly made by a senior executive, who has since been placed on leave, that its soups are made with "3D-printed" chicken and consumed by "poor people."

Read more on Barron's

Campbell’s said the comments about its food are “patently absurd,” noting that the chicken meat in its canned soups comes from USDA-approved suppliers, meets high-quality standards, and doesn’t contain antibiotics.

Read more on Barron's

Every year there is the faintly absurd recipe of a dollop of briefing, several tablespoons of speculation and a sprinkling of leaks.

Read more on BBC

In a statement after the ruling, Abbott said it was “absurd” to say the maps were discriminatory.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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