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
Built during the Great Depression, the house was a showpiece for both what Sanders could do and what modernism could be.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Mar. 2025
Adam West’s Former Palm Springs Home Has Been Transformed Into a Contemporary Bat Cave
A rustic wooden wall, exposed beams, and a creamy beige hue trailing the foyer evoke the warm, inviting feel of classic desert modernism.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
One of Barragán’s innovations was to redeploy these Mexican folkloric colors as high modernism.
—Kim Córdova, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
This morning’s must reads (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) A Los Angeles ADU is inspired by West African textiles and a fresh take on modernism.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
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Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Mar. 2025
Adam West’s Former Palm Springs Home Has Been Transformed Into a Contemporary Bat Cave
A rustic wooden wall, exposed beams, and a creamy beige hue trailing the foyer evoke the warm, inviting feel of classic desert modernism.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
One of Barragán’s innovations was to redeploy these Mexican folkloric colors as high modernism.
—Kim Córdova, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
This morning’s must reads (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) A Los Angeles ADU is inspired by West African textiles and a fresh take on modernism.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modernism
Cite this Entry
“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernism. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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