Synonyms of minimalismnext
1
: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity
2

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In the 1960s, a few composers, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and John Adams, began writing music inspired by the music of India and Southeast Asia, often with a quick pulsing beat and chords that are repeated quickly over and over while small changes are slowly introduced. Minimalist art, which began appearing around the same time, tries to strip away all personal elements, often leaving only pure geometric forms; you may have seen the plain silver boxes of Donald Judd, or the straight neon tubes of Bruce Nauman. In literature, the stripped-down fiction of Samuel Beckett and Raymond Carver is often considered minimalist. But there's a real question whether these various types of minimalism should even be considered the same concept.

Examples of minimalism in a Sentence

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To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 With a black and white color palette, this style elevates minimalism by adding greenery and natural wood. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 Contemporary furnishings by Croatian design company Prostoria combine minimalism with comfort, adding to the overall sense of serenity. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 This is particularly true of costumes from the Hitchcockian vibe of 2020’s Ratched to the chic ’90s minimalism embodied by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in this year’s Love Story. Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimalism

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimalism was in 1927

Cite this Entry

“Minimalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimalism. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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