modern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmä-dərn How to pronounce modern (audio)
Definition of modernnext
as in new
being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles this hairstyle is absolutely the most modern fashion out there

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

modern

2 of 2

noun

as in liberal
a person with very modern ideas the leaders of the American suffragists were originally regarded by many people as uppity moderns who should have stayed in their place

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of modern
Adjective
Kimmel points to a pantheon of Jewish developmental psychologists and physicians — Erik Erikson, Abraham Maslow, Carol Gilligan, Richard Ferber and others — who helped define our modern understanding of childhood. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Vintage glamour meets modern hits with modern songs reimagined in 20th-century styles of yesteryear. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
In the 1980s, a pavilion for Japanese art by Bruce Goff resembling a late modern shinto shrine materialized on the north end of LACMA’s 20-acre campus. — Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026 Tad’s subjects were the moderns. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modern
  1. new
  2. liberal
  3. contemporary
  4. modernist
  5. stylish
  6. revolutionary
  7. fashionable
  8. current
Adjective
  • Now is a great time to pick up a new pair of sneakers for fall while prices are low.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the team entering a new era with a new coaching staff, Baltimore made some moves that were a bit atypical on roster cutdown day.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Noun
  • Lee is a liberal who espouses improved ties with North Korea.
    — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Larson, first elected in 1998, built a quiet but reliable profile as an old-school Great Society liberal, on a mission to expand Social Security benefits by raising the tax cap.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of liberal
Adjective
  • Beyond its restoration, the historic Palazzo Giovanelli has been reimagined as a boutique, 33-room, five-star hotel that blends a rich Venetian heritage with contemporary luxury.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Her replacement, Christophe Leribault, critics say, is a somewhat safer pick who will likely shift the museum away from the robust contemporary art program under Des Cars, and toward a more French and Western-centric vision.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemporary
Noun
  • The broader point is that extreme wealth has reshaped the art market, turning certain modernist works into financial and social assets as much as cultural objects.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Told through Bearden’s own words and archives, the film reintroduces a towering yet underrecognized modernist, athlete, and activist whose influence still shapes contemporary culture.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of modernist
Adjective
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, stylish couples from Tokyo were arriving for a ski weekend in late May.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • Centrist Democrats are not socialists, not revolutionaries, and not disposed to blame Zionist conspiracies for every trouble in American life, including police brutality and urban gentrification.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026
  • To make matters worse, ten days later, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revolutionary
Adjective
  • From Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka to Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, the biggest stars in tennis traded their on-court kits for some highly fashionable attire.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Packed to the rafters with fashionable Western clothing and accessories, Maverick Fine Western Wear is a must-stop shop in the heart of the Stockyards.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • According to the International Energy Agency, global small modular reactor capacity could reach roughly 40 GW by 2050 under current policies, or as much as 120 GW under an accelerated scenario.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The longer the current situation continues, the greater the strain on an economy already struggling with shortages, inflation and restrictions on trade.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of current

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moderators
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Cite this Entry

“Modern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modern. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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