modernism

noun

mod·​ern·​ism ˈmä-dər-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce modernism (audio)
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
modernist noun or adjective
modernistic adjective

Examples of modernism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It was recently acquired by Auberge Resorts Collection, which gave it an extensive makeover that has resulted in a stunning balance of moody decadence and clean, classic modernism, with many signature winks to the bygone era of clubby American splendor. Christopher Bollen, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2023 Varda’s onscreen presence dominates the film, infusing it with first-person, real-time immediacy, distinguishing it from purely observational documentary, and turning it into an exemplary work of cinematic modernism. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2024 The first is thought, by some, to mark the birth of modernism; the second, played live by Brent Griffin Jr. and cronies, ushered in a sub-genre now called free jazz. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2024 Murrell and her team at the Met have not only unearthed these pieces for a broader audience but also shown that Black art is a part of modernism, which is so much more than Picasso, Matisse, and other practitioners of white-guy aesthetics. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modernism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modernism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modernism was in 1737

Dictionary Entries Near modernism

Cite this Entry

“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernism. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

modernism

noun
mod·​ern·​ism ˈmäd-ər-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce modernism (audio)
: a modern custom, expression, style, or idea
modernist noun or adjective
modernistic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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