expressionism

noun

ex·​pres·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspre-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce expressionism (audio)
often capitalized
: a theory or practice in art of seeking to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist
expressionist noun or adjective often capitalized
expressionistic adjective
expressionistically adverb

Examples of expressionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web West, Edeson, and Menzies take their cues from German expressionism to create consistently dynamic frames, and West’s energetic direction of actors yields plenty of big laughs that both complement and serve as counterpoint to the suspense. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2024 The painter and sculptor explored feminine power and paved the way for later generations, working outside prevailing trends with a playful blend of expressionism and primitivism. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 To viewers who had finally warmed to the wide, whooshing brushwork of de Kooning and the Abstract Expressionists, Stella’s canvases represented a direct assault on gestural painting, implying that expressionism and even human suffering had lost their allure as subjects for art. Deborah Solomon, New York Times, 5 May 2024 Its scruffy cross-hatching, dazzling lighting and punkish energy indicate an official shift from realism to expressionism. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expressionism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expressionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressionism was circa 1901

Dictionary Entries Near expressionism

Cite this Entry

“Expressionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressionism. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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