afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tər-wərd How to pronounce afterward (audio)
ˈaf-tə-
variants or afterwards
ˈaf-tər-wərdz How to pronounce afterward (audio)
ˈaf-tə-
Synonyms of afterward
: at a later or succeeding time : subsequently, thereafter
found out about it long afterward

Synonyms of afterward

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Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward. Afterward, she got a promotion.
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.
The sight of his struggling left Carlos Alcaraz, who had a match that afternoon but caught some of Djokovic’s afterward, stunned. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Cristobal afterward was typically critical, and seeing what needs fixing even in a 39-point win. — Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks to journalists afterward as constructive, frank and useful, but didn’t talk about specific outcomes. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026 Judging by the effusive applause following Friday morning’s press screening, and the largely positive reviews that emerged afterward, those expectations were met. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterward

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afterward "behind, in the rear, at a later time," going back to Old English æfterweard "behind, following," from æfter after entry 1 + -weard -ward entry 2; Middle English afterwardes, efterwardes "at a later time," from afterward + -es -s entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterward was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

afterwar
afterward
afterwash
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Cite this Entry

“Afterward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterward. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afterward

adverb
af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd How to pronounce afterward (audio)
variants or afterwards
-wərdz How to pronounce afterward (audio)
: at a later time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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