a. [ L. absurdus harsh-sounding; ab + (prob) a derivative fr. a root svar to sound; not connected with surd: cf. F. absurde. See Syringe. ] Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; as, an absurd person, an absurd opinion; an absurd dream. [ 1913 Webster ]

This proffer is absurd and reasonless. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

'This phrase absurd to call a villain great. Pope. p. 9 [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Foolish; irrational; ridiculous; preposterous; inconsistent; incongruous. -- Absurd, Irrational, Foolish, Preposterous. Of these terms, irrational is the weakest, denoting that which is plainly inconsistent with the dictates of sound reason; as, an irrational course of life. Foolish rises higher, and implies either a perversion of that faculty, or an absolute weakness or fatuity of mind; as, foolish enterprises. Absurd rises still higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to received notions of propriety and truth; as, an absurd man, project, opinion, story, argument, etc. Preposterous rises still higher, and supposes an absolute inversion in the order of things; or, in plain terms, a “putting of the cart before the horse;” as, a preposterous suggestion, preposterous conduct, a preposterous regulation or law. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An absurdity. [ Obs. ] Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Absurdities [ L. absurditas: cf. F. absurdite. ] 1. The quality of being absurd or inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment. “The absurdity of the actual idea of an infinite number.” Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is absurd; an absurd action; a logical contradiction. [ 1913 Webster ]

His travels were full of absurdities. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an absurd manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Absurdity. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]