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

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

The idea that an NHL player would need a host family might seem absurd to those who imagine all professional athletes bring in the big bucks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The notion of Artificial General Intelligence is as absurd as the notion of an 'Artificial General Vehicle'," he argues.

Read more on BBC

At the end of a long day, I sometimes spend a few mindless minutes scrolling absurd clips of these cartoon cats having affairs—or of their kittens getting flushed down the toilet.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Even though this absurd case was dismissed today, I will continue to defend the civil rights of every New Yorker. Every worker has a right to a safe commute.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Partly whimsical: I let myself notice the little, absurd sparks of autumn that made me smile.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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