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 film opens a new window, all right, not on Holmes but on us, staggering among the postmodern wreckage like a marooned sailor who still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that his ship is gone. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026

In other words, in a postmodern, end-of-history age, fascist symbols lose their specific menace. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026

In our postmodern media landscape, no single narrative can dominate for long. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Known as a pioneer of Italy’s postmodern movement, Schifano was part of an artists’ milieu known as Scuola di Piazza del Popolo. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for postmodern

• premodern
• modern