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

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gottlieb, at the same time, made works merging surrealism with imagery inspired by masks and ritual objects from Africa, the Pacific, and Native North American cultures. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 Wollner embraces her knack for surrealism as the piece bends time, past and present blurring. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Their ’90s output handily presaged the logic of media like the shows that aired on Adult Swim, adapting the bounciness and surrealism of childhood stories to biting adult sensibilities. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026 Goldberg specializes in abstract expressionism, cubism, surrealism, watercolor, collage and mixed media. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026 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

Rhymes for surrealism

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Cite this Entry

“Surrealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surrealism. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surrealism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surrealism

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