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 This time along with Rossen Ventzislavov, an educator who brought me out to Woodbury University last spring as a fellow to teach a one-of-a-kind semester on Black modernism in architecture, design and popular culture. —
Jerald “coop” Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Later, criticism also came from arbiters of high modernism, such as Clement Greenberg, who wrote off New Deal art as kitsch for the masses. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Others hold the key to early modernism. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 Inspired by eras and aspects of architecture—from Art Deco to South American modernism—each piece features a subtle pattern that can be a statement in one room, or a subtle backdrop in another. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modernism
Jerald “coop” Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Later, criticism also came from arbiters of high modernism, such as Clement Greenberg, who wrote off New Deal art as kitsch for the masses. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Others hold the key to early modernism. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 Inspired by eras and aspects of architecture—from Art Deco to South American modernism—each piece features a subtle pattern that can be a statement in one room, or a subtle backdrop in another. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modernism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modernism
Noun
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If emotions rise, pause and restate what’s been agreed on in simple terms.— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
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In defending reasonableness, Lawlor is defending the exhausted majority—those who still want to live together on terms of mutual recognition.— Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Are these neologisms diagnosing modern phenomena or illuminating preëxisting cultural realities?— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2025
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These neologisms weren’t just clever.— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The exhibit’s title is derived from a Spanish colloquialism.— Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 13 Feb. 2026
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Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.— Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That a two-word customer service phrase can generate millions of views says something about how rare deliberate warmth has become on the service floor.— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
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Kluwe was at least capable of having a real discussion rather than just repeating trite phrases.— The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Discussing why people use euphemisms online prepares children to pause and ask questions when unfamiliar terms appear.— Sharlette A. Kellum, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
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When Oklahoma missed out on the NCAA Tournament, AD Roger Denny announced that coach Porter Moser was staying and offered up one of the great euphemisms of this era.— Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Propagandi, in other words, isn’t just a clever coinage.— Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
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Her liberty cap bears stars and stripes, at once a symbol of our burgeoning Nation and a reference to early American coinage.— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Photograph by Glen Wilson / Lionsgate Fuqua’s low-key approach is both a natural expression of his personality and a shrewd stratagem to reassure people around him that everything is under control.— Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
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An artist observes carefully, especially things that go unnoticed — and transforms these observations into meaningful expressions.— Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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For instance, people, a French loanword, may be spelled peple, pepill, poeple, or poepul.— Big Think, Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modernism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/modernism. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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