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
  • Parton has several posthumous projects to look forward to, one of which is a secret song.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The scrutiny intensified following the publication of Giuffre's posthumous memoir and the release of documents detailing Andrew's relationship with Epstein.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of posthumous
Noun
  • Malachi died from pneumonia and bleeding lungs, according to an autopsy.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 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
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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about postmortem

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