postmodernism

American  

[pohst-mod-er-niz-uhm] / poʊstˈmɒd ərˌnɪz əm /

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.

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postmodernism Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• postmodernist
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of postmodernism

First recorded in 1970–75; post- + modernism

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Explanation

Postmodernism is a late-20th-century approach to the arts, culture, and architecture that challenges traditional forms, often mixing styles from different eras. A postmodern building might pair a classical column with a brightly colored neon sign. Postmodernism has several meanings across art, architecture, literature, and philosophy. Its current meaning took shape in literary criticism and architectural theory during the 1950s and 1960s. In art and architecture, postmodernism often blends styles and challenges the division between high art and popular culture. Postmodern artists and writers may borrow from earlier styles, use parody, or mix pop culture with traditional art forms. In philosophy, postmodernism questions universal truths and grand narratives that claim to explain history, knowledge, or society.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

postmodernism

Nothing sets Mr. Saad off more than postmodernism, “a dreadful idea” that came into vogue in the 1960s thanks to a trio of Frenchman, Jacques Derrida, Jacques Lacan and Michel Foucault.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

The home feels like a very intentional example of Black postmodernism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

That is the subtitle of “Keyframes for a Hippogriff,” the sprawling, chaotic explosion of postmodernism that the New York Philharmonic played on Saturday evening at David Geffen Hall, conducted by Thomas Sondergard.

From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2024

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 ● Apr. 2, 2024

What is the driving force behind relativism and postmodernism?

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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