absurdity

noun

ab·​sur·​di·​ty əb-ˈsər-də-tē How to pronounce absurdity (audio) -ˈzər- How to pronounce absurdity (audio)
plural absurdities
Synonyms of absurditynext
1
: the quality or state of being absurd : absurdness
They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.
2
: something that is absurd
the absurdities of life

Synonyms of absurdity

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Examples of absurdity in a Sentence

to say men can't cook as well as women is of course an absurdity the absurdity of expecting a 98-year-old woman to adequately supervise four six-year-olds
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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.
With that as the starting point, and the premise now fully in motion, season two hits the ground running with the wind of absurdity at its back. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 The position requires a particular combination of bravery, confidence and just enough absurdity. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 However, others should not be forced to adhere to absurdity for the sake of feelings. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absurditee "dissonance, unjust practice," borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French absurdité, borrowed from Late Latin absurditāt-, absurditās, from Latin absurdus absurd entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdity was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

absurdist
absurdity
absurdly
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Cite this Entry

“Absurdity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absurdity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absurdity

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