postmodern

adjective

post·mod·ern ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dərn

nonstandard -ˈmä-d(ə-)rən

: of, relating to, or being an era after a modern one

postmodern times

a postmodern metropolis

: of, relating to, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism that are typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms (as in architecture) or by ironic self-reference and absurdity (as in literature)

: of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language

postmodern feminism

postmodernism

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dər-ˌni-zəm

noun

postmodernist

ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dər-nist

adjective or noun

postmodernity

ˌpōs(t)-mə-ˈdər-ne-tē

-mä-

also -ˈder-

noun

Examples of postmodern 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.

Many delegations treat the convention like senior week and wear matching outfits—Hawaii’s were obviously the best, but the Wisconsin delegates had their traditional postmodern tricornes shaped like cheese. —

Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Based on the semi-autobiographical 1985 novel of the same name by William S. Burroughs, viewers can expect a mesmerizing postmodern meditation on addiction, desire, and sexuality. —

Samantha Allen, Them, 29 Oct. 2024 Beneath the layers of the Wooster Group’s postmodern antics, on the other hand, are only more layers of performance. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 The idea—a missive from the world of Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of the brand, who is hailed or scorned as the priest of postmodern dressing—forced a moment of critical reflection. —

Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for postmodern