postmodern

American  

[pohst-mod-ern] / poʊstˈmɒd ərn /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to architecture of the late 20th century, appearing in the 1960s, that consciously uses complex forms, fantasy, and allusions to historic styles, in contrast to the austere forms and emphasis on utility of standard modern architecture.

2. extremely modern; cutting-edge.

   postmodern kids who grew up on MTV.

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postmodern British  

/ pəʊstˈmɒdən /

adjective

1. (in the arts, architecture, etc) characteristic of a style and school of thought that rejects the dogma and practices of any form of modernism; in architecture, contrasting with international modernism and featuring elements from several periods, esp the Classical, often with ironic use of decoration

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Other Word Forms

• postmodernism noun
• postmodernist noun

Etymology

Origin of postmodern

First recorded in 1945–50; post- + modern

Example Sentences

A new solo exhibition by Takashi Murakami, the iconic founder of Japan’s postmodern Superflat movement, is on view at Perrotin: “Hark Back to Ukiyo-e: Tracing Superflat to Japonisme’s Genesis.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

The men also have solo turns but the suite leaves only a passing impression, of postmodern tango mixed with occasional sleek social dancing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Employers need people who can rebuild transmissions more than people who can explain postmodern theory.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, who won the Nobel literature prize on Thursday, has been described as the postmodern "master of the apocalypse".

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

“It is a practice that will surely return in the postmodern world!”

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth