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
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.
Pluribus blends grief, absurdity and deep human truths, as Carol does battle with not only the hive-minded ‘others’ who suddenly share all the world’s knowledge and memories, but also with her own isolation. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 This game, and this series, is a microcosm of the absurdities of online baseball discussion. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 This absurdity reached its height in 1978, when journalists and whistleblowers collecting information on state communication networks were put on trial for violating the Official Secrets Act. — David Szondy august 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 Laughter reframes these experiences from tragedy to absurdity, helping individuals push back against negative aging stereotypes. — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absurdity

Nglish: Translation of absurdity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absurdity

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