absurd and ridiculous share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. absurd means “inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense”. ridiculous means “inspiring scornful pity”. ridiculous is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/əbˈsɝd/
1.adj.inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
“the absurd predicament of seeming to argue that virtue is highly desirable but intensely unpleasant”
2.adj.so unreasonable as to invite derision
“the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework”
3.n.a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless
“The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth”
/ɹɪˈdɪkjələs/
1.adj.inspiring scornful pity
“how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years”
2.adj.so unreasonable as to invite derision
“the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework”
3.adj.broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
“the wild farcical exuberance of a clown”
| absurd | ridiculous | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əbˈsɝd/ | /ɹɪˈdɪkjələs/ |
| Said | uhb-SURD | ri-DI-kyuh-luhs |
| Syllables | 2 | 4 |
| Letters | 6 | 10 |
| Parts of speech | adjective, noun | adjective |
| Senses | 3 | 3 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | none recorded | pathetic, silly |
Full entry for absurd · Full entry for ridiculous · More comparisons