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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The station was made with minimalism in mind, and its durable ABS and metal build and zinc alloy give it a look so sleek that the other devices on your desk will be jealous. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 During her brief tenure at the iconic American brand, Leoni took CK’s clean minimalism and filtered it through an art-inflected, sculptural approach. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026 The minimalism of the space gives it an almost timeless feel. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 The collection prioritized American minimalism, with references to the ’90s. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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