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 The work includes some of the giants of 20th-century modernism, including Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti, Barbara Hepworth, Pablo Picasso, Bridget Riley and Andy Warhol. — Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Superhuman, the productivity company formerly known as Grammarly, agreed in June to acquire GPTZero for undisclosed terms.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • According to the order reviewed by The Times, Berry is prohibited from contacting Martinez, 60, and their son Maceo beyond the terms of her August 2023 split-custody agreement.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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
  • As Kamphoff repeated these phrases during her race, her pace picked up.
    — Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Georgia fans responded with articles from 2003 showing that former head coach Mark Richt used the phrase early in his tenure, creating a good old fashioned social media standoff.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Forty-one minutes later, the CFIA issued—Orwell would appreciate the agency’s flair for euphemism—a Notice to Dispose.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Macho Cowboy At the top of the pinnacle of power within the telenovela structure is the macho cowboy whose high emotional expressions of jealousy, anger, and confrontation are accepted as passionate acts of strength or romantic gestures.
    — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • For Summer Nacewicz, Alo’s executive vice president of marketing and creative, the store will become a full expression of the brand’s belief in how Alo wants to redefine luxury.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 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

modern
modernism
modernisms
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Cite this Entry

“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modernism. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on modernism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modernism

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