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

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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

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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 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
The last thing OpenAI needs is someone disclosing details about the four other services its agents hacked, especially when the full postmortem is still in the works. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 The vanishing of any craft is a tragedy to all who prefer the existence of a thing to its opposite, but restorative art represents more than just a niche domain of aesthetic achievement or a macabre postmortem racket. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
  1. posthumous
  2. autopsy
  3. delayed
Adjective
  • The posthumous surge adds another chapter to Parton’s decades-long career.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Prolific, a posthumous full-length created with fellow musician Bino Rideaux, arrives on a number of rankings at once.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of posthumous
Noun
  • His Know Your Rights Camp has helped pay for 150 independent autopsies — such as the one for Nolan Wells this year — and has also paid hundreds of thousands in legal grants and bail relief.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Appealing to younger voters is something Democrats need to urgently do, according to the Democratic National Committee's autopsy of why the party lost the 2024 election, released in May.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of autopsy
Adjective
  • After Tuesday’s practice, Purdy detailed how a delayed throw to Luke Farrell got intercepted by linebacker Del-Shawn Phillips off near the goal line.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Real Problem Is The Ripple A delayed flight is easy to detect.
    — Ishraq Khan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of delayed

Phrases Containing postmortem

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postmistresses
postmortem
postmortem examination
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Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about postmortem

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