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
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
Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s required a medical history and exam as well as postmortem evidence of two abnormal proteins associated with the disease called amyloid and tau. Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 The study analyzed postmortem tissue from the hippocampus – the portion of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory – in 40 neurologically healthy adults, ranging from 20 to 95 years of age. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
Adjective
  • In the days after Ventura filed her lawsuit, Uptown Records’ Andre Harrell, who was a formative early mentor and friend to Combs, was named in a posthumous complaint brought by a Jane Doe.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The pair later both appeared in The Bear, which scored Rob a posthumous Emmy Award.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The testimony came after a forensic pathologist walked jurors through Ashley's autopsy and described two gunshot wounds to the back of her head.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The state’s autopsy was performed July 7, and a separate, out-of-state autopsy requested by Wells’ family — which described his manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation — was performed July 10.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The delayed flight was one of two crises that Haitian officials faced on Thursday with deportees being returned from the United States.
    Gérard Maxineau, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • 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

Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster