Definition

Having a strange or dreamlike quality that is unusual or unexpected.

Example

The painting had a surreal quality, making it feel like a scene from a dream.

Conversation

I had the most surreal dream last night.

Oh really? What happened in it?

I was flying over a city made of candy!

That sounds amazing and totally surreal!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Surreal is formed from "sur-" (meaning over or above) and "réel" (from French, meaning real). The word describes something that goes beyond reality, often in a dreamlike or fantastical manner.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'over' ('sur-') reality ('réel') — that's why surreal describes experiences that feel dreamlike or beyond the ordinary.

Visually Confused Words