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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
In addition to studying postmortem tissue, imaging methods like MRIs offer alternative tools for investigating neurological conditions. 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
Democrats performing postmortems on the 2024 presidential race have taken a closer look at how to best utilize super PACs to boost their future campaigns. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2025 In that fire, a postmortem report blamed government, regulators and industry in the UK for the deaths of 72 people. NPR, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
Adjective
  • Her posthumous memoir, published in October, reiterated her claims.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The late actor's posthumous releases include The Last Rampage (2017), The Tale (2018), Living Among Us (2018) and Imprisoned (2018).
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The final autopsy declared his death a homicide.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Police added that following an autopsy, the department would present the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office for possible criminal charges.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some common reasons for delayed deliveries include bad weather, heavy traffic, high delivery demand during holidays, customs delays for international packages and operational problems like vehicle breakdowns, Amazon said online.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The series starring Morris Chestnut was initially held back for another midseason run on Sundays before being summoned to the fall schedule to fill in for the delayed CIA, landing behind FBI on Mondays.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!