expressionism
noun
ex·pres·sion·ism
ik-ˈspre-shə-ˌni-zəm 
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
Examples of expressionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The historic gallery specializing in German expressionism, the Bauhaus, European modernism, and contemporary art regularly presented in prestigious fairs like TEFAF and Art Basel.
—
The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
That's especially impressive given that the film derives its narrative from a 19th-century epistolary novel and its aesthetics from a landmark bit of silent-cinema expressionism — a far cry from shootouts and singing baby animals.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025
The basic outlines of Stoker's plot remain, but Eggers has also infused his film with a visual language that evokes both Murnau's distinctive German expressionism and the Eastern European folklore that inspired Stoker.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
That prompted him to lean away from realism and political commentary, opting to embrace visual cues from horror movies and other works of German expressionism with the hope that some distance from reality would make his film more timeless and approachable.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressionism 
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.
The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
That's especially impressive given that the film derives its narrative from a 19th-century epistolary novel and its aesthetics from a landmark bit of silent-cinema expressionism — a far cry from shootouts and singing baby animals.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025
The basic outlines of Stoker's plot remain, but Eggers has also infused his film with a visual language that evokes both Murnau's distinctive German expressionism and the Eastern European folklore that inspired Stoker.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
That prompted him to lean away from realism and political commentary, opting to embrace visual cues from horror movies and other works of German expressionism with the hope that some distance from reality would make his film more timeless and approachable.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressionism
Dictionary Entries Near expressionism
Cite this Entry
“Expressionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressionism. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share