SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

synthetism

noun, often capitalized
Save Word
syn·​the·​tism | \ ˈsin(t)thəˌtizəm \
plural -s

Definition of synthetism

: an art theory current in France about 1890 that a painting is to be considered a formal arrangement of color on a flat surface before it is a particular representation — compare nabi

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for synthetism

Greek synthetos put together, composed + English -ism

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about synthetism

Statistics for synthetism

Cite this Entry

“Synthetism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetism. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on synthetism

What made you want to look up synthetism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

turbid

Listen to the pronunciation of turbid

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games