impressionism
noun
im·pres·sion·ism
im-ˈpre-shə-ˌni-zəm 
1
often capitalized
: a theory or practice in painting especially among French painters of about 1870 of depicting the natural appearances of objects by means of dabs or strokes of primary unmixed colors in order to simulate actual reflected light
2
a
: the depiction (as in literature) of scene, emotion, or character by details intended to achieve a vividness or effectiveness more by evoking subjective and sensory impressions than by recreating an objective reality
b
: a style of musical composition designed to create subtle moods and impressions
Examples of impressionism in a Sentence
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His thesis is that after surviving what Victor Hugo called the Terrible Year—one marred by war and starvation—the wellborn trio rejected darkness for light, the quality that has come to be most associated with impressionism.
—
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Using Christian themes and imagery, McNaughton’s art blends realism, fantasy and impressionism.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Awesome impressionism Mary Cassatt emerged as a titan of the art world at a time when woman were largely relegated to amateur status.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024
The artists found themselves in bitter disagreement over the years, and some of the most important members of the group – including Manet, Morisot, and Gustave Caillebotte – died long before the triumph of impressionism was clear.
—Terry W. Hartle, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024
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Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Using Christian themes and imagery, McNaughton’s art blends realism, fantasy and impressionism.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Awesome impressionism Mary Cassatt emerged as a titan of the art world at a time when woman were largely relegated to amateur status.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024
The artists found themselves in bitter disagreement over the years, and some of the most important members of the group – including Manet, Morisot, and Gustave Caillebotte – died long before the triumph of impressionism was clear.
—Terry W. Hartle, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for impressionism
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Cite this Entry
“Impressionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressionism. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impressionism
noun
im·pres·sion·ism
im-ˈpresh-ə-ˌniz-əm
1
often capitalized
: a style of painting beginning in France around 1870 in which dabs or strokes of primary colors are used to give the effect of light actually reflected from things
2
: a style of musical composition designed to create moods through rich and varied harmonies
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