: a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe compare existentialism

Examples of absurdism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No wonder its particular brand of dark absurdism — a mad dance in the face of a madder world — felt right to Golyak now. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 The movie is an epic series of harrumphs and harangues, propelled from room to room—and, in time, out into the world beyond the estate—by a spirit of impudent absurdism and corrosive cynicism which seems to emanate from Digger himself. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Such a counterintuitive deployment of the strictest logic inevitably starts to incline toward absurdism. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026 Our political system vacillates between absurdism and horror. — Chloe Benjamain, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdism

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ism (probably after French absurdisme)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdism was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absurdism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdism. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!