impressionism
noun
im·pres·sion·ism
im-ˈpre-shə-ˌni-zəm 
1
often Impressionism
: a theory or practice in painting especially among French painters of about 1870 of depicting the natural appearances of objects by means of dabs or strokes of primary unmixed colors in order to simulate actual reflected light
2
a
: the depiction (as in literature) of scene, emotion, or character by details intended to achieve a vividness or effectiveness more by evoking subjective and sensory impressions than by recreating an objective reality
b
: a style of musical composition designed to create subtle moods and impressions
Examples of impressionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The orchestra shifts seamlessly among movie-music impressionism, brief minimalist pulsings, patches that sound like updated Gilbert and Sullivan, and heart-on-sleeve surges of voices and orchestra worthy of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
—
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Nora is a hugely talented dancer and a master of deadpan impressionism.
—Julie Klausner, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
His colorful art, a mix of impressionism and still lifes in vibrant hues, is a visual treat throughout.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Dec. 2025
Hidden in plain sight, amidst the off-kilter impressionism and untraditional arrangements, is the band’s innate sense of melody.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025
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Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Nora is a hugely talented dancer and a master of deadpan impressionism.
—Julie Klausner, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
His colorful art, a mix of impressionism and still lifes in vibrant hues, is a visual treat throughout.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Dec. 2025
Hidden in plain sight, amidst the off-kilter impressionism and untraditional arrangements, is the band’s innate sense of melody.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impressionism
Cite this Entry
“Impressionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressionism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impressionism
noun
im·pres·sion·ism
im-ˈpresh-ə-ˌniz-əm
1
often capitalized
: a style of painting beginning in France around 1870 in which dabs or strokes of primary colors are used to give the effect of light actually reflected from things
2
: a style of musical composition designed to create moods through rich and varied harmonies
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