modernism

noun

Definition of modernismnext
as in term
a way of saying something that is particular to the present day; a modern speech form modernisms like "blog" and "life hack"

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of modernism Aalto Works brings together 13 buildings and complexes associated with Alvar Aalto, Aino Marsio-Aalto, Elissa Aalto, and their collaborators, spanning more than half a century of Finnish modernism. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Designed around century-old oak trees, the home is clad in limestone and natural timber, reflecting the principles of organic modernism. — Sandra Barrera, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 If a few of the pictures—Tina Modotti’s telegraph poles, Manuel Álvarez Bravo’s optician’s sign—have come to define Mexican modernism, the show explores the full range and depth of that style, often with superb vintage prints. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 31 July 2026 There are also pieces by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and other giants of Mexican modernism. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for modernism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modernism
  1. term
  2. neologism
  3. colloquialism
  4. phrase
  5. euphemism
  6. coinage
  7. expression
  8. loanword
Noun
  • Simply put, acknowledging the reality—even if the administration won’t state it in these terms—of avoiding a further, major military campaign as the conflict drags on.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of term
Noun
  • Are these neologisms diagnosing modern phenomena or illuminating preëxisting cultural realities?
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2025
  • These neologisms weren’t just clever.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of neologism
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Noun
  • Almost exactly one month later, the phrase appeared as a central QAnon concept.
    — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The phrase first surfaced in early 2024 and has grown in popularity since, according to Know Your Meme.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • This is nothing more than a euphemism for encouraging less citizen input and involvement in determining city policies and spending priorities.
    — Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sam Roberts, a longtime obituarist for the New York Times, wants to banish the euphemisms that attend death.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of euphemism
Noun
  • As part of the yearlong celebration, the Mint is introducing one-year-only changes to familiar American coinage, including the circulating dime, quarter, and half dollar.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That coinage quickly grew antiquated as programming costs necessitated steady price increases.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of coinage
Noun
  • Additionally, the minutes featured a notable new expression regarding the impact of artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • The English language comprises a hodgepodge of words borrowed from all over the globe, and a wide variety of those loanwords hail from the languages of India.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Which brings us to the ménage à trois — for some things, only a French loanword will do — between Hayley, Yasmin, and Henry, which exists at the opposite end of the boundary-setting spectrum.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of loanword

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modern
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modernisms
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Cite this Entry

“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modernism. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on modernism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modernism

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