modernism

mod·ern·ism | \ ˈmä-dər-ˌni-zəm

How to pronounce modernism (audio)

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Definition of modernism

1 : a practice, usage, or expression peculiar to modern times such modernisms as "blog," "bromance," and "steampunk"

2 often capitalized : a tendency in theology to accommodate traditional religious teaching to contemporary thought and especially to devalue supernatural elements

3 : modern artistic or literary philosophy and practice especially : a self-conscious break with the past and a search for new forms of expression extols the … modernism that laid the foundation of all twentieth-century design — Jeffrey Simpson

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Examples of modernism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Singer Laren's collection has a focus on modernism such as neo-impressionism, pointillism, expressionism and cubism. — Bloomberg.com, "Van Gogh Painting Stolen From Dutch Museum Closed By Virus," 8 May 2020 Influenced by Mozambican art and Portuguese modernism, a further record was set for Bertina Lopes’ ‘Portrait of a Woman’ selling at $10,000. — Ciku Kimeria, Quartz Africa, "Sotheby’s has had its biggest jump in bidders for African art, thanks to a stay home lockdown," 3 Apr. 2020 The museum houses the collection of American couple William and Anna Singer, with a focus on modernism such as neo-impressionism, pointillism, expressionism and cubism. — USA TODAY, "Vincent van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch Singer Laren Museum in overnight heist," 31 Mar. 2020 The Singer Laren's collection has a focus on modernism such as neo-impressionism, pointillism, expressionism and cubism. — Mike Corder, Houston Chronicle, "Dutch museum says van Gogh painting stolen in overnight raid," 30 Mar. 2020 Interestingly, the historic preservation movement has embraced mid-century modernism, including Brutalist architecture, an irony since so many of those structures replaced older buildings that preservationists were trying to protect. — Anthony Flint, BostonGlobe.com, "Learning to love the world’s ugliest building," 1 July 2019 Stravinsky houses 18th century Mozartian opera style in mid 20th century modernism. — Mark Swed, latimes.com, "Review: Stravinsky's exceedingly slow ‘Rake's Progress’ from West Hollywood to Ojai," 7 June 2019 His exquisitely modulated, serial views of haystacks, cathedral façades and rows of poplars in changing light, conjured up by stabs and strokes of subtly varied hues, are paradigms of 19th-century modernism. — Karen Wilkin, WSJ, "‘Monet: The Late Years’ Review: Radiant Inspiration to the Very End," 2 Apr. 2019 The Brazilian architect, considered to be one of the fathers of 20th century modernism, was born, lived, and died in the city. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "This South American City Was Just Named the World Capital of Architecture," 30 Jan. 2019

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

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Last Updated

17 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernism. Accessed 25 May. 2020.

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