absurdist

adjective

ab·​surd·​ist əb-ˈsər-dist How to pronounce absurdist (audio)
-ˈzər-
: of, relating to, or characterized by the absurd or by absurdism : absurd
absurdist literature
an absurdist sense of humor
absurdist noun

Examples of absurdist 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.
Sylvester describes it as an absurdist play exploring friendship, religion, free will and personal agency. — Donald Fountain, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 What was intended to be an absurdist comedy act turned the second El Grande Americano into a folk hero as Kaiser ran with the gimmick and never looked back. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 On Podium, Cheekface dial up both the hooks and the sociopolitical dread, but absurdist humor remains their defense mechanism for a world spiraling out of control. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 Last season’s matchmaking episodes were hilarious, so my expectations for absurdist fun are high going into next week. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for absurdist

Word History

Etymology

absurd entry 1 + -ist entry 1 (probably after French absurdiste)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absurdist was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

absurdism
absurdist
absurdity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absurdist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absurdist. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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