postmodern

adjective

post·​mod·​ern ˌpōs(t)-ˈmä-dərn 

 nonstandard  -ˈmä-d(ə-)rən

1

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

postmodern times

a postmodern metropolis

2

a

: 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)

b

: 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

Image His early designs for the Deutsche Bank Center on Columbus Circle (formerly the Time Warner Center) were also in the postmodern aesthetic. —David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

In Creation Lake, rural politics is mostly a backdrop to the postmodern espionage plot and Sadie’s increasing fascination with the octogenarian ideologue of the commune. —Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025

True to the postmodern nature of DEI, the efforts to save it are a cacophony of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies. —Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025

The 18-dancer troupe now led by Alex Garland returns to Walnut Creek this weekend, continuing a longstanding relationship with the Lesher Center for the Arts, with a program that will include a variety of works and styles – from classical ballet to contemporary, urban and postmodern. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for postmodern

• premodern
• modern