What does "postmodern" mean?
A postmodernist.
Postmodern
adj, noun
adj, noun ·3 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A postmodernist.
- Grammar: postmodern is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anti foundationalism, deconstructionist, deconstructive, ironic.
- Useful contrasts: classical philosophy, modernist, objectivism.
- Usage evidence: Quit wallowing in your postmodern, wangsty aimlessness and stand up for something!
How to use "postmodern"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "postmodern" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "postmodern" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "postmodern" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "postmodern" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "postmodern" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "anti foundationalism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "postmodern", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A postmodernist.
"Trajal Harrell frames his program notes for “Twenty Looks or Paris Is Burning at the Judson Church (S)” with the potentially academic question, “What would have happened in 1963 if someone from the ball scene in Harlem had come downtown to perform alongside the early postmoderns at Judson Church?”"
Adjective
- 1 Relating to what follows the modern era. literally
"The nearer is a fact to the temporary limits of knowledge, the more implicated becomes this regression and the more blurred ought to be statement of fact. [Percy W.] Bridgman of Harvard recently has emphasized this conclusion, but his postmodern position has as yet made small impression."
- 2 Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of postmodernism, especially as represented in art, architecture, literature, science, or philosophy that reacts against an earlier modernism.
"What I am objecting to is that aspect of postmodern thought that rejects the idea of any objective reality."
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to postmodernism wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Quit wallowing in your postmodern, wangsty aimlessness and stand up for something!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "postmodern"?
Common synonyms include: anti foundationalism, deconstructionist, deconstructive, ironic, meta, pomo.
How do you use "postmodern" in a sentence?
Quit wallowing in your postmodern, wangsty aimlessness and stand up for something!
Etymology
From post- + modern.