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 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 Tracy’s dialogue, though absent the staccato non sequiturs of the director’s earlier work, has a bracing nastiness; every visual flourish and every menacing thrum of the score, by Jerskin Fendrix, escalates the intensity of Stone and Plemons’s bravura showdown. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Long before Neeson would inherit the detective badge and a full clip of non sequiturs, Paramount announced Ed Helms would be taking on the Drebin role in 2013 with writers behind the Night at the Museum movies providing a script to revitalize the Naked Gun franchise. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for non sequitur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for non sequitur
  1. tangent
  2. nonsense
  3. bunk
  4. absurdity
Noun
  • Its loose structure allows for a wealth of tangents, touching on everything from whether HBO shows have the right amount of nudity to the hosts’ personal lives.
    — Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The realization inspired Shapiro’s team to go off on a tangent, mapping the flow of oxygen to coral tissues via cilia.
    — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of tangent
Noun
  • The nonsense began last year as a stunt tied to a cryptocurrency group, but more recently has been linked to groups protesting league policies.
    — Greg Cote August 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This nonsense with Canada should have never gone into effect.
    — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of nonsense
Noun
  • Shoes are way too clunky and be-socked feet on a bus are just asking to encounter a plug that’s strayed from a bunk while going round a corner.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Academia—like business, electoral politics, and the tech sector—has loads of fabulists and tons of bunk.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of bunk
Noun
  • In the special, Ahdoot takes on post-breakup fitness, foodie culture, dating, family and the absurdity of becoming a minor celebrity to children.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the museum focuses on language, relationships, self-mockery, and life’s absurdities, with rakija served to visitors as the ultimate symbol of Balkan resilience.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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