modern

adjective

mod·ern | \ ˈmä-dərn

, nonstandard ˈmä-d(ə-)rən\

Definition of modern

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : contemporary the modern American family

b : of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time modern history

2 : involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date modern methods of communication

3 capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the present or most recent period of development of a language Modern English

4 : of or relating to modernism : modernist Modern art has abandoned the representation of recognizable objects.

modern

noun

Definition of modern (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a person of modern times or views

b : an adherent of modernism : modernist

2 : a style of printing type distinguished by regularity of shape, precise curves, straight hairline serifs, and heavy downstrokes

Other Words from modern Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about modern

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Other Words from modern

Adjective

modernity \ mə-ˈdər-nə-tē

, mä- , -ˈder-

\ noun

modernly \ ˈmä-dərn-lē

\ adverb

modernness \ -dərn-nəs

\ noun

Examples of modern in a Sentence

Adjective

Water pollution is a growing problem in the modern world. He's known as the father of modern medicine. The English that was spoken by William Shakespeare is very different from the modern English spoken today. She is learning Modern Greek. They live in one of the most modern cities in the world. modern methods of communication including e-mail and the Internet She cut her long hair for a modern look. He made his old-fashioned apartment look more modern by changing the color of the walls and buying new furniture. Their latest movie is a modern version of a classic children's story. She has modern ideas about dating and marriage.

Noun

the leaders of the American suffragists were originally regarded by many people as uppity moderns who should have stayed in their place

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

But as the monogram double-F body stockings and winsome dresses of this final collection make clear, Lagerfeld was modern to the last. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top Shows of Milan Fashion Week Fall 2019," 25 Feb. 2019 Republicans lost in places like Orange County for the first time in modern political history. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "The suburbs abandoned Republicans in 2018, and they might not be coming back.," 26 Dec. 2018 Her signature bohemian style was the driving force behind each piece, with a fresh and modern approach that could complement a variety of design styles. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "The Inside Collaborates with Blogger Victoria Smith on a Sumptuous Boho Collection," 31 Jan. 2019 Some designs are distinctly modern, others more whimsical. — Alison Roman, The Seattle Times, "‘We are all connected by cookies’: A tribe with a bond stronger than royal icing," 12 Dec. 2018 The groutfit— or grey outfit, for the uninitiated — is the modern take on a monochromatic neutral look. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, "5 Chic Outfits that Take the Stress Out of Valentine's Day Dressing," 30 Jan. 2019 This modern take on the classic series will maintain the chilling feeling viewers loved about the original, while also telling the stories through the lens of a premium Netflix documentary series. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'Unsolved Mysteries' Is Getting a Netflix Reboot So Prepare to Have Nightmares Forever," 24 Jan. 2019 Missile-defense advocates think more modern solid state and fiber lasers fired from higher altitudes could do the trick. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "'Star Wars' Lite? We Explain Trump's Missile Defense Strategy," 17 Jan. 2019 Add this modern take on avocado toast to your brunch menu. — Chrissy Teigen, Good Housekeeping, "Avocado with Toasty Crumbs," 14 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The designs are minimalist and mid-century modern in nature, with natural wood element options on upholstered pieces and laminate geometric patterns available for tables and storage pieces. — Maggie Burch, House Beautiful, "This Custom Furniture Company Promises Quick Shipping, Affordable Prices, and—Gasp—10-Minute Assembly," 6 Dec. 2018 Over the last few decades, architectural groups have turned their attention from modernist favorites to post-modern and late modern structures, such as the Vanna Venturi house. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Rethinking the modern house museum," 12 Oct. 2018 Saying mid-century modern's had a revival would be one serious understatement. — Hillary Brown, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need To Know About Mid-Century Modern Design," 13 Sep. 2018 Today Bocagrande, which has some of Colombia's most expensive real estate, is the neighborhood of choice for those who prefer, and can afford, ocean-side modern. — Maureen Orth, Town & Country, "Inside Cartagena," 11 Jan. 2013 For critics, the absence of the modern is compounded by a lack of stylistic purity. — Anthony Alofsin, The Atlantic, "A Defense of the Suburbs," 6 June 2018 Photos courtesy of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty A crisp Donald Wexler midcentury modern is up for sale in that sunny California enclave of Palm Springs. — Lauren Ro, Curbed, "Nab this Donald Wexler midcentury pad in Palm Springs for $725K," 29 May 2018 For frantic moderns, silence also seems part of the comfort offered by primitive or eternal things. — The Economist, "People crave silence, yet are unnerved by it," 17 May 2018 Measuring 1,774 square feet, the midcentury modern is nevertheless bright, spacious, and airy, with four bedrooms, two baths, and expansive common areas unfurling across a flowing floorplan. — Lauren Ro, Curbed, "Updated SoCal Eichler asks $985K," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.