AUTOPSY Synonyms: 6 Similar and Opposite Words

autopsy

noun

ˈȯ-ˌtäp-sē

Definition of autopsy

as in dissection

examination of a dead body especially to find out the cause of death the autopsy revealed an advanced stage of cancer

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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 autopsy The fate of Clarity could serve as a timely best practice case or an insightful autopsy. — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Gates died from suffocation, according to the autopsy, which ruled the death a homicide. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 26 Aug. 2026 The city Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause of death as cops continue to probe the incident. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 The Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy, and said Hernandez-Lopez’s cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound to the neck and the manner of death was homicide, according to the complaint. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for autopsy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for autopsy

Noun

But Horvat’s script, with its interesting evasions, lacunae, and crabwise approach to metaphor, deserves at least a little serious dissection, so let’s get stuck in.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
She was admitted to Rhode Island Hospital with injuries that included bilateral internal carotid artery dissection, liver and spleen lacerations, multiple rib fractures, and a ruptured diaphragm.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissection

Noun

The primary cause of death was a laceration of the spleen, though measles antibodies were found in postmortem testing.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s required a medical history and exam as well as postmortem evidence of two abnormal proteins associated with the disease called amyloid and tau.

— Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of postmortem

Noun

Samba's body has been sent to the University of California, Davis, for a necropsy, which could provide more information about why the bites proved fatal.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Samba’s body has been sent to UC Davis for a necropsy that could provide clearer answers about what caused her death.

— Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of necropsy

Browse Nearby Words

autopsies

autopsy

autoroute

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“Autopsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autopsy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of autopsy

noun

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