absurd

[uhb-surd, -zurd]

adjective

1. utterly or obviously senseless, illogical, or untrue; contrary to all reason or common sense; laughably foolish or false.

   an absurd explanation.

   Synonyms: nonsensical, ludicrous, silly, irrational
   Antonyms: sensible, logical

noun

1. the quality or condition of existing in a meaningless and irrational world.

absurd

/ əbˈsɜːd /

adjective

1. at variance with reason; manifestly false

2. ludicrous; ridiculous

noun

1. (sometimes capital) philosophy the conception of the world, esp in Existentialist thought, as neither designed nor predictable but irrational and meaningless

Other Word Forms

• absurdity noun
• absurdly adverb
• absurdness noun
• superabsurd adjective
• superabsurdly adverb
• superabsurdness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of absurd¹

First recorded in 1550–60, absurd is from the Latin word absurdus out of tune, uncouth, ridiculous. See ab-, surd

Word History and Origins

Origin of absurd¹

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from _ab- ¹ (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Synonym Study

Absurd, ridiculous, preposterous all mean inconsistent with reason or common sense. Absurd means utterly opposed to truth or reason: an absurd claim. Ridiculous implies that something is fit only to be laughed at, perhaps contemptuously: a ridiculous suggestion. Preposterous implies an extreme of foolishness: a preposterous proposal.

Example Sentences

I found England managing director Rob Key's comments about seeing Bethell's leadership qualities slightly absurd.

From BBC

The arrest prompted a backlash from figures such as author JK Rowling and opposition parties including the Conservatives, who branded the arrest an "absurd infringement of free speech".

From BBC

Badenoch said it was "absurd" the UK was leaving "vital resources untapped" while "neighbours like Norway extracted them from the same sea bed".

From BBC

India called the accusations "absurd and motivated" and accused Canada of providing shelter to Sikh separatists.

From BBC

The very idea that the puppet government in Kabul had something to say about it or was a party to any serious discussions about ending the war was absurd.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crazy 
• foolish 
• goofy 
• illogical 
• irrational 
• laughable 
• ludicrous 
• nonsensical 
• preposterous 
• silly 
• stupid 
• unreasonable 
• wacky