preposterousness

preposterousness

The idea of a flying elephant is the height of preposterousness.

Definition

Preposterousness (noun): The quality or state of being utterly absurd, ridiculous, or contrary to reason or common sense.

Usage Examples
  • (The absurdity of his statement was clear to all.)
  • (The ridiculousness of the concept amused her.)
  • (The sheer absurdity of the scenario prevented any serious consideration.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to border on preposterousness": to be almost absurd or ridiculous.
    • His explanation bordered on preposterousness, leaving the audience in disbelief. (His reasoning was nearly absurd.)
  • "a degree of preposterousness": a level of absurdity.
    • The proposal had a certain degree of preposterousness that made it entertaining. (The plan had some absurd quality that amused people.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Preposterous (adj): utterly absurd or ridiculous.
    • That is a preposterous suggestion. (That suggestion is completely absurd.)
  • Preposterously (adv): in an absurd or ridiculous manner.
    • He preposterously claimed to have invented time travel. (He made an absurd claim about inventing time travel.)
Synonyms
  • Absurdity: the quality of being wildly unreasonable or illogical.
  • Ridiculousness: the state of being laughably absurd.
  • Nonsensicality: the quality of lacking sense or meaning.
  • Foolishness: the quality of being silly or unwise.
Related Idioms
  • "Beyond belief": so absurd as to be impossible to accept.
    • The preposterousness of the story was beyond belief. (The absurdity was too great to be believed.)
  • "A flight of fancy": an unrealistic or absurd idea.
    • His plan was a flight of fancy, full of preposterousness. (His plan was an unrealistic and absurd idea.)