non sequitur

noun

Definition of non sequiturnext
as in tangent
a statement that is not connected in a logical or clear way to anything said before it We were talking about the new restaurant when she threw in some non sequitur about her dog.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of non sequitur The non sequiturs, or seeming non sequiturs (like Carol moonlighting as a baseball umpire despite having little knowledge of baseball) abound. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 Brown kept getting sidetracked with tangents and non sequiturs, on topics both momentous and random. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026 These sequences can be beguilingly attractive, but their inclusions are complete non sequiturs — blink-and-you’ll-miss-it digressions toward a more engaging film. — Blake Simons, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026 Some, like the rapper, passed with flying colors, while others weren't sure what to make of the non sequitur. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for non sequitur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for non sequitur
  1. tangent
  2. nonsense
  3. bunk
  4. absurdity
Noun
  • After the event was disrupted by an armed intruder, the Administration and the association scheduled a July do-over, where Trump delivered a rambling speech indulging seemingly every tangent that sprang to mind, but his contempt remained apparent.
    — Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
  • That got Cristobal off on a tangent about the type of players that UM targets.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of tangent
Noun
  • In the eyes of the conferences, and CFP committee, the allure of a postseason bid is the carrot that would dangle in front of them so that fans would look the other way at the nonsense this creates for the football played in September or October.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • My fellow relishers of Trowbridge nonsense, today is our day of jubilee.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of nonsense
Noun
  • Kramnic was unable to climb on to the top bunk without injuring his knees and back.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Although my room had six bunks, my only roommate was a quiet man from Switzerland who was also traveling from LA to San Francisco, but by bike.
    — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of bunk
Noun
  • Early on, Sakurai exploits the inherent absurdity of telling a story populated by so many ludicrous characters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike Gregor Samsa who is confined to his room after transforming into a huge insect, the protagonist still has to go to work, a dark and bleak absurdity that lays bare the alienation, isolation, and hypocrisy of modern life.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of absurdity

Browse Nearby Words

nonsequential
non sequitur
non sequiturs
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Cite this Entry

“Non sequitur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/non%20sequitur. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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