punctualism

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noun

A musical style, prevalent in Europe in the mid-20th century, based around separate tones rather than overarching compositional structures.

Opposite
gradualism
Scrabble 17
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Meanings

nounpunctualism (uncountable)
  1. uncountableentertainmentA musical style, prevalent in Europe in the mid-20th century, based around separate tones rather than overarching compositional structures.
  2. uncountableBuddhismThe view that there is no ongoing individual person but rather a series of experiences.
  3. uncountablebiologyThe belief that evolution takes place in sudden jumps.

    Antonyms: gradualism

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe belief that evolution takes place in sudden jumps.

Opposite
gradualism

Origin

From punctual + -ism.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

punctualism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctualism

MLA

“punctualism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctualism. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “punctualism,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctualism.

Source: punctualism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.