absurdist

American  

[ab-sur-dist, -zur-] / æbˈsɜr dɪst, -ˈzɜr- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or dealing with absurdism or the absurd.

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noun

1. an adherent of absurdism, especially a writer whose work is characterized by absurdist ideas.

Etymology

Origin of absurdist

First recorded in 1950–55; absurd + -ist

Explanation

In philosophy, art, and literature, something absurdist reflects the idea that life is ridiculous. You know you're watching an absurdist play if the characters exchange nonsensical dialogue and seem to forget who they are. People with absurdist philosophical beliefs think life has no real meaning, that life is completely absurd and irrational. Even if your personal philosophy doesn't line up with that idea, you probably appreciate the absurdist nature of certain situations. There's a lot of humor in absurdist literature like Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot, in which two buffoonish men wait around for someone (they're not sure who) to show up. Absurdist has a Latin root that means "out of tune."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

absurdist

Berendsen's company says its aim is to make films, or "absurdist entertainment", for people "who hate commercials".

From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026

As the the absurdist heist comedy unfolds, the shoplifters—or boosters—realize they can become part of a global labor movement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

Riley, the writer-director behind 2018's "Sorry to Bother You," said he revisited the absurdist aesthetic of his first film because he found it helped convey his message.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

The adult-targeted block played a major role in mainstreaming anime, launched live-action comedy performers like Eric Andre, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, and resurrected old cartoon characters and titles with an absurdist twist.

From Salon ● May 8, 2026

That aside, the film’s barrage of scenes, sketches, shout-outs and absurdist scenarios leading up to the climactic wine-making championship are largely harmless flights of farce.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026