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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 Dadiba Pundole, who owns one of Mumbai’s oldest commercial art spaces, Pundole Art Gallery, and is recognized for his expertise on Indian modernism, believes that a lack of scholarship has led to a reliance on word of mouth. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026 Architect William Levy Alexander designed the three-bedroom home that stands as an exemplar of early 20th-century modernism. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 While Belden’s former home is Victorian style, in the late 1950s a wing was put on that is modernism. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Roja London, which was founded in 2011, said the sale will unlock support and resources to accelerate growth.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The deal would include a 15-year prison term, suspended after service 7½ years, and five years of probation.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 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
  • The motivational phrase helped carry the British people through the adversity of World War II.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Create a section in your brand style guide that provides examples of words and phrases to use or emphasize and ones to avoid.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Orwell was exploring the roles that euphemism, tangled syntax, and dying metaphors can play in obscuring the true intentions of a totalitarian state.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of euphemism
Noun
  • Within a year of its onset, the economic depression practically eradicated the need to mint any new coinage for months.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of coinage
Noun
  • This wasn’t the funny Godspell of Toronto but an earnest expression of early-’70s youthful utopianism.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Pantone said the latest additions bring its library to nearly 9,000 colors and span every color family, reflecting a broader turn toward maximalism and emotional expression.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

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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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on modernism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modernism

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