postmodernism

[ pohst-mod-er-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) any of a number of trends or movements in the arts and literature developing in the 1970s in reaction to or rejection of the dogma, principles, or practices of established modernism, especially a movement in architecture and the decorative arts running counter to the practice and influence of the International Style and encouraging the use of elements from historical vernacular styles and often playful illusion, decoration, and complexity.

postmodernism

1. A movement, particularly in architecture, that reacted against the pared-down modern school by reintroducing classical and traditional elements of style. An example of this style is Philip Johnson's AT&T Building in New York City .

Other Words From

• post·modern·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of postmodernism¹

First recorded in 1970–75; post- + modernism

Example Sentences

The author of 20 books including “Giles Goat-Boy” and “The Sot-Weed Factor,” Barth was a college writing instructor who advocated for postmodernism to literature, saying old forms were used up and new approaches were needed.

From Seattle Times

What if we can utilize history not with the superficial irony of postmodernism but allow the past to be the past — something that is part of us but not holding us back?

From Los Angeles Times

His work also went out of fashion for a time, as postmodernism swept in and clients returned to more traditional styles.

From New York Times

More and more, as that initiating episode of what is sometimes called postmodernism recedes into history, it looks to be one of 20th century art’s finest, most germinative hours.

From New York Times

It wasn’t until after the show that I read May’s program note about “exposing the titillation of postmodernism’s detached aesthetics and its unbearable absurdity.”

From New York Times