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

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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

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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
That meant that the higher powers had the authority to enact a punishment on an unlucky criminal postmortem. Tara Ramanathan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026 The disease caused by repetitive head trauma is known to cause aggression, mood swings, depression and paranoia but can only be diagnosed through a postmortem brain autopsy. Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
Adjective
  • In a posthumous tribute to Potter in Time magazine, Honnold reflected on how much his fellow climber had meant to him.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • May 4 In light of the British man’s positive result, South African health officials conducted a posthumous test and confirmed that the Dutch woman who collapsed at an airport and later died was also infected with hantavirus.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • An autopsy ruled the cause of death a homicide, the post says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2026
  • An autopsy found that the baby's cause of death was freshwater drowning, and her manner of death is being considered an accident, the outlets reported, citing the coroner's office.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The combination of the chiming, delayed guitar, twiddly ‘80s synths, weird time signatures and Fish’s unique lyrics and vocal delivery all added up to a very intriguing listen.
    Liza Lentini, SPIN, 8 May 2026
  • What started as a delayed flight out of Atlanta quickly turned into a federal case.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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