: occurring or existing after a war
especially : occurring or existing after World War II

Examples of postwar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the postwar decades, humans seized ecosystems at breakneck speed—forests were felled, prairies plowed, wetlands drained. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 Multilateral talks, meanwhile, would bring European officials to the table as well — to discuss region-wide issues of reconstruction and postwar economic relations between Russia and Europe, especially on the key issue of energy. — David Ignatius, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 Gray’s early life has all the ingredients of a congenial coming-of-age movie, one rooted in the anything-goes landscape of postwar Southern California. — Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Much of Frank’s book is about the cult of innovation and creativity that dates back to the postwar years. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for postwar

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postwar was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Postwar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postwar. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: of, relating to, or being a period after a war
postwar Europe
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