If you describe something as surreal, you mean that the elements in it are combined in a strange way that you would not normally expect, like in a dream.
'Performance' is undoubtedly one of the most surreal movies ever made.
surreal in British English
(səˈrɪəl)
adjective
1.
suggestive of surrealism; dreamlike
noun
2. the surreal
surreal in American English
(səˈriəl)
adjective
1.
of, related to, or characteristic of surrealism
2.
bizarre; fantastic; grotesque
Word origin
back-form. < surrealism
Examples of 'surreal' in a sentence
surreal
They possess an intensity that feels almost surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The entire experience was surreal from the outset.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Something a bit surreal might just be unfolding before us.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Just speaking to him was a bit surreal.
The Sun (2015)
Some of its recommendations sound slightly surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Some of the exchanges seem almost surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Talking to him is a mildly surreal experience.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Just over a week ago something really surreal happened.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But this was all a bit surreal.
The Sun (2014)
After a while it all becomes slightly surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Pay growth is so subdued as to be almost surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It was a surreal experience to have sparked a minor storm.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It was something of a surreal moment.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But mostly it was just a bit surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He made the details of the setting so vividly real that they became almost surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It was a surreal experience by the end of it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It's all rather dreamlike and surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We sent each other jokes, and slightly surreal advice.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There's something endlessly surreal about that.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
These disturbing hybrids flutter about in the head of the viewer, strange and surreal dreams that speak of life after death.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The striker said: 'It was surreal.
The Sun (2015)
She said: 'It was a surreal moment.
The Sun (2012)
Right now, it's awesome and strange and surreal.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One guest said: 'It was very surreal.
The Sun (2012)
He said: 'It was totally surreal.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
surreal
British English: surreal ADJECTIVE
If you describe something as surreal, you mean that the elements in it are combined in a strange way that you would not normally expect, like in a dream.
This is undoubtedly one of the most surreal movies ever made.