surrealism

noun

sur·​re·​al·​ism sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

 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 

 also  -ˈrā-

noun or adjective

Examples of surrealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout Saya, Gray constructs a world of sonic surrealism — seamlessly melding swirling harp, taut acoustic guitars, and warm piano tones with glitchy beats and lite-industrial bass lines. —Gabrielle MacAfee, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025

The performance balanced minimalism and surrealism, offering a glimpse into the darker, more introspective aesthetic underpinning Hurry Up Tomorrow. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2025

Other styles include conceptual, gothic, pop art, surrealism, art deco, contemporary, impressionism, realism, art nouveau, cubism, renaissance, baroque, fauvism, and modern. —Terri Williams, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker who blended dreamlike surrealism with mystery and melodrama in films like Mulholland Drive and television projects like Twin Peaks, has died at 78. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French surréalisme, from sur- + réalisme realism

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surrealism

• idealism
• neorealism