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Definition of minimalism

minimalism

/ˈmɪn.ɪ.məl.ɪz.əm/
min · i · mal · ism
Adverb:minimalistically
•
Adjective:minimalist
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minimalism Lexical Profile

minimalism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lifestyle or personal philosophy centered on intentionally living with fewer material possessions and reducing clutter or unnecessary commitments.

Example

"Embracing minimalism helped the couple downsize to a smaller apartment and focus on experiences rather than material goods."

2

An avant-garde movement or style in visual art, music, architecture, and design characterized by extreme simplicity of form, pared-down aesthetic elements, and the elimination of non-essential ornamentation.

Example

"The gallery's new exhibition explores mid-century minimalism through monochromatic canvases and geometric steel sculptures."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

minidress
minigolf
minimal
minimalism
minimalist
minimalistic
minimally

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from 'minimal' (from Latin minimus, meaning 'smallest' or 'least') and the suffix '-ism', gaining widespread currency in the 1960s to describe post-war American visual art and music.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Minimalism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/minimalism
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