theater of the absurd

noun phrase

: theater that seeks to represent the absurdity of human existence in a meaningless universe by bizarre or fantastic means

Examples of theater of the absurd 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.
So should everyone just throw their hands up and look forward to the next theater of the absurd? Peter L. Levin, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2013 Sell tickets to the theater of the absurd in chambers. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 20 Dec. 2023 But this whole saga has, at times, taken center stage in the theater of the absurd. Bill Oram, oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theater of the absurd was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near theater of the absurd

Cite this Entry

“Theater of the absurd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theater%20of%20the%20absurd. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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