Synonyms of postmortem

postmortem 1 of 2

adjective

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmȯr-təm 

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

• posthumous
• delayed
• late
• belated

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

• autopsy
• necropsy
• dissection
• postmortem examination

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• biopsy
• vivisection

Example Sentences

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

And if not, there's always the postmortem reunion, which doesn't yet have a date. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 11 July 2026

The remains within the kurgans often showed signs of mummification or postmortem trepanation — drilling a hole in the skull to remove the brain. — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Phrases Containing postmortem

• postmortem examination