What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
absurd
Example
It's absurd to think that the moon landing was faked. [absurd: adjective]
Example
The idea of a flying pig is completely absurd. [absurd: adjective]
ridiculous
Example
The clown's oversized shoes looked ridiculous. [ridiculous: adjective]
Example
It's ridiculous to think that you can swim across the ocean. [ridiculous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ridiculous is more commonly used than absurd in everyday language. Ridiculous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while absurd is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between absurd and ridiculous?
Absurd is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while ridiculous is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.