ad absurdum

[ad ab-sur-duhm]

adverb

1. to the point of absurdity.

ad absurdum

1. An argument whereby one seeks to prove one's position by pointing out the absurdity or foolishness of an opponent's position. Also, an argument carried to such lengths that it becomes silly or ridiculous. From Latin, meaning “to absurdity.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ad absurdum¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: literally, “to (the) absurd”

Example Sentences

Maybe all this can be read as an ironic coda to the last 80 years of U.S. global domination, the reductio ad absurdum of American exceptionalism.

From Salon

The former president's unintentionally comical strutting, boasting and chest-beating have been emulated ad absurdum by his male followers and right-wing militia supporters.

From Salon

Because IVF is popular with voters, donors and even legislators, so defending Alabama’s reductio ad absurdum decision would be political suicide.

From Seattle Times

He seems to have viewed superdeterminism as a reductio ad absurdum proposition, which highlights the strangeness of quantum mechanics.

From Scientific American

It treats everything it bumps into at both face value and ad absurdum.

From New York Times