Meaning
An indirect argument which proves a thing by showing the impossibility or absurdity of the contrary.
Etymology
Origin: Ancient Greek
Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀπαγωγή (apagōgḗ).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reductio ad absurdum
NYT Puzzle Appearances
No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.