modern
Pertaining to a current or recent time and style; not ancient.
Word facts
Definition of Modern
Pertaining to the modern period (c.1800 to contemporary times), particularly in academic historiography.
Example sentences
Our online interactive game is a modern approach to teaching about gum disease. Although it was built in the 1600s, the building still has a very modern look.
Using Modern well
A closer look at how modern is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Relating to the present time or recent times, or using the newest ideas and styles.
Use 'modern' to describe things belonging to the current era or built on up-to-date methods and design. It fits discussions of technology, design, history, and trends.
Common in design and architecture, technology writing, history, and product descriptions.
'Modern' can clash with 'modernist,' which refers to a specific 20th-century movement in art and design, not simply anything recent; the two are related but not interchangeable.
- contemporary
- more formal; stresses 'of the present moment,' often used in art and design
- current
- focuses on what exists right now, without the style or progress overtones
- up-to-date
- everyday phrasing; emphasizes having the latest information or features
- cutting-edge
- much stronger — at the very front of innovation, beyond merely recent
- new
- broader and plainer; about recency, not necessarily current style or methods
- old-fashioned
- everyday; suggests a style or method that feels out of date
- traditional
- neutral to positive; follows long-standing custom rather than being outdated
- ancient
- far in the past, often used loosely for anything very old
- outdated
- critical; no longer useful or in step with the present
- Beginner We moved into a modern apartment with lots of glass and light.
- In writing The museum pairs ancient artifacts with modern displays that let visitors zoom in on every detail.
- Advanced What we call modern medicine would have seemed like sorcery to physicians of only a few centuries ago.
'Modern' sits close to 'mode' (current fashion) — think of what is in style now.
Synonyms for Modern
Antonyms for Modern
Related words
Words closely connected to Modern in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Modern
Try Modern in the word tools
Browse words near Modern
Explore more words that start with the letter M in Word Explorer, or use the A-Z browser to discover other vocabulary starting from any letter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What does modern mean?
Pertaining to a current or recent time and style; not ancient. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does modern have?
Modern has 2 syllables: mah·durn. The word is broken into 2 spoken beats.
What part of speech is modern?
Modern is used as an adjective. As a noun, it names a thing, idea, or concept.
What are synonyms for modern?
Words with similar meanings to modern include contemporary, innovative, stylish, new. The best synonym depends on the exact context you are writing or reading in.
How do you use modern in a sentence?
Example: "Our online interactive game is a modern approach to teaching about gum disease. Although it was built in the 1600s, the building still has a very modern look."