postmodern

adjective

post·​mod·​ern ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dərn 

nonstandard -ˈmä-d(ə-)rən

1

: of, relating to, or being an era after a modern one

postmodern times

a postmodern metropolis

2

a

: of, relating to, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism that are typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms (as in architecture) or by ironic self-reference and absurdity (as in literature)

b

: of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language

postmodern feminism

postmodernism

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dər-ˌni-zəm 

noun

postmodernist

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dər-nist 

adjective or noun

postmodernity

ˌpōs(t)-mə-ˈdər-ne-tē 

-mä-

also -ˈder-

noun

Examples of postmodern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The iconic postmodern downtown tower’s debut in the mid-1980s garnered national attention, which included some critiques for its mix of styles along with critical praise and awards. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026

Here was someone who seemed to capture the playful, postmodern irony of writers like Donald Barthelme, and infuse it with a deep sincerity and depth of humanity. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026

When the postmodern 60-story skyscraper now called Comerica Bank Tower opened roughly four decades ago, the law firm that would become K&L Gates LLP was one of its tenants. —Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026

The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for postmodern

• premodern
• modern