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

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

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece, Waiting for Godot, tells the story of two friends who gather next to a barren tree, hoping to meet a man who never actually arrives.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

The existential philosophy of Camus and Sartre, self-evident truths for these absurdist writers, is conveyed less through the content than through the style of their plays.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 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

The show uses absurdist comedy set within the cultural backdrop of urban adult life in the 1990s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026