postmortem 1 of 2

adjective

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmȯr-təm How to pronounce postmortem (audio)
Definition of postmortemnext
as in posthumous
occurring after one's death postmortem tests on the brain tissue of people who had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

postmortem

2 of 2

noun

as in autopsy
examination of a dead body especially to find out the cause of death the postmortem revealed that the cause of death had been an undetected heart defect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of postmortem
Adjective
Although treatments for these disorders remain elusive, postmortem brain tissue offers a key resource for unlocking possible solutions. — Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, 21 Aug. 2019 Nearby, the researchers also found skulls apparently stuck together with mortar—remnants of one of the towers flanking the tzompantli, where most skulls once exhibited on its posts ended their postmortem journey. — Lizzie Wade, Science | AAAS, 21 June 2018
Noun
And if not, there's always the postmortem reunion, which doesn't yet have a date. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 11 July 2026 The remains within the kurgans often showed signs of mummification or postmortem trepanation — drilling a hole in the skull to remove the brain. — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
  1. posthumous
  2. autopsy
  3. delayed
Adjective
  • The posthumous resurrection of Babitz’s writings is most welcome.
    — Steve Wasserman, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
  • Country music icon Waylon Jennings, who died in 2002, will also receive a posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.
    — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of posthumous
Noun
  • The identities of the family members were confirmed two days later after autopsies.
    — Matt Foster, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • His autopsy revealed the presence of potassium cyanide in the stomach, and Shoichiro was immediately arrested.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of autopsy
Adjective
  • The filing is backed by a Phase 3 study that showed the drug resulted in significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival over standard chemotherapy, along with delayed worsening of pain and quality of life.
    — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 23 July 2026
  • The impact is already being felt across various regions, from a delayed start to the Indian monsoon to a temporary halt to Peru’s fishing season.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Definition of delayed

Phrases Containing postmortem

Browse Nearby Words

postmistresses
postmortem
postmortem examination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about postmortem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All