surrealism

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ism sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
: the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations
surrealist
sə-ˈrē-ə-list How to pronounce surrealism (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
noun or adjective

Examples of surrealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Katayama never quite sustains our interest while oscillating between coming-of-age desires, gory atrocities, and erotic surrealism. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The notion of heritage provided comfort for some, while others embraced surrealism and more high octane designs in collections which reflected a desire to escape. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024 Hailing from the Company Flow school of post-apocalyptic rap deconstruction, the New Yorkers smash together surrealism and polemic in songs whose harmonious soul samples belie an inescapable sense of dread. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 13 Sep. 2024 The ad: a fashion campaign inspired by Dalí and surrealism. John Hopewell, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for surrealism 

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surrealism was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near surrealism

Cite this Entry

“Surrealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surrealism. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on surrealism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!