expressionism

noun

ex·​pres·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspre-shə-ˌni-zəm 

often capitalized

: a theory or practice in art of seeking to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist

expressionist

ik-ˈspre-shə-nist 

noun or adjective often capitalized

expressionistic

ik-ˌspre-shə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

expressionistically

ik-ˌspre-shə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of expressionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

German expressionism is a big influence in your music right now. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 6 May 2025

The movie highlights goth’s roots in noir, sci-fi, and German expressionism, yet also breaks free of those influences for its respectably absurd ending. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2024

And while a degree of naturalism does still make its way into many slow-burn scenes, Quy’s filmmaking largely favors expressionism. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025

The historic gallery specializing in German expressionism, the Bauhaus, European modernism, and contemporary art regularly presented in prestigious fairs like TEFAF and Art Basel. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing expressionism

• abstract expressionism

Rhymes for expressionism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism