postmortem 1 of 2

adjective

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmȯr-təm How to pronounce postmortem (audio)
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
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
Clinical biomarkers and neuroimaging do not hold all the answers; many disorders—such as Alzheimer’s and some types of strokes—still require postmortem analysis for diagnostic confirmation. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Signs of traumatic injury were found during a postmortem exam, authorities said. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for postmortem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for postmortem
  1. posthumous
  2. autopsy
  3. delayed
Adjective
  • Guillermo del Toro is paying tribute to Italian special effects master Carlo Rambaldi, who is being honored today with a posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, Fisher made another posthumous appearance via unused and repurposed archival footage from the prior films.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of posthumous
Noun
  • Duffield also watched video of an autopsy of a large squid to figure out how to approach his lead character’s encounter with a similar creature in the early stages of his nightmare.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Most of the victims were cremated or buried, and only two had autopsies.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of autopsy
Adjective
  • In a later video clip posted to his TikTok, Ash could be seen FaceTiming his social media manager, explaining that the group’s paperwork caused the delayed entry.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of delayed

Phrases Containing postmortem

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postmistresses
postmortem
postmortem examination
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Cite this Entry

“Postmortem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/postmortem. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on postmortem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about postmortem

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