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

Say what you want about postmodernism: in democracy, reality does come with a dose of social construction.

From The Daily Beast

I usually avoid anything labeled postmodernism, but Carter makes it seem as fun as realism and ten times smarter.

From The Daily Beast

Her triad helps us understand what postmodernism is doing to us.

From The Daily Beast