modernism
noun
mod·ern·ism
ˈmä-dər-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a practice, usage, or expression peculiar to modern times
such modernisms as "blog," "bromance," and "steampunk"
2
often capitalized
: a tendency in theology to accommodate traditional religious teaching to contemporary thought and especially to devalue supernatural elements
3
: modern artistic or literary philosophy and practice
especially
: a self-conscious break with the past and a search for new forms of expression
extols the … modernism that laid the foundation of all twentieth-century design —
Jeffrey Simpson
Jeffrey Simpson Examples of modernism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His unique blend of modernism, spirituality and human scale has inspired fervent devotion and in recent years attracted high profile interventions by international artists.
—Kim Córdova, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
And sure enough, as soon as the social and political priorities of architectural modernism abated, and designers could again express their interest in form, Mannerism was primed for prime time.
—Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
Such pieces are hallmarks of Brazilian modernism, a movement that started around the 1940s, as the country saw a surge of immigration, rapid urbanization, and, as a result, a basic need for everyday furniture.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2025
Its current exhibits feature Ukrainian modernism and artwork by Alexandra Exter.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for modernism
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.
Kim Córdova, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
And sure enough, as soon as the social and political priorities of architectural modernism abated, and designers could again express their interest in form, Mannerism was primed for prime time.
—Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
Such pieces are hallmarks of Brazilian modernism, a movement that started around the 1940s, as the country saw a surge of immigration, rapid urbanization, and, as a result, a basic need for everyday furniture.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2025
Its current exhibits feature Ukrainian modernism and artwork by Alexandra Exter.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for modernism
Articles Related to modernism
Cite this Entry
“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernism. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share