LATER Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

later 1 of 2

adverb

ˈlā-tər

Definition of later

as in afterward

following in time or place we're going to go to the mall later on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

later

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlā-tər

as in subsequent

being, occurring, or carried out at a time after something else the details of the plan will be filled in at a later date

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of later

Adverb

One minute later, the school was directed to go into lockdown. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 Examples of interpersonal violence are rare among Stone Age remains, only becoming common later as hunting and gathering gave way to settled farming communities. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Adjective

One of the most interesting choices from Flanagan is that in the later timeline with the interviews, Carrie isn't painted as a villain by anyone. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 On-site solar panels capture renewable energy during daylight, while high-capacity batteries store excess power for later use. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for later

Recent Examples of Synonyms for later

Adverb

This seemed at the time like the biggest misstep of Stearns’ tenure, as the Brewers faded afterward and missed the playoffs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
When every data-sharing toggle ships switched on and the opt-out sits five screens deep, the company has told you its real priorities—the reassuring language is just what the legal team wrote afterward.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of afterward

Adjective

Rather than dictate final shots, those sessions let the filmmakers experiment with digital environments and camera positions early, with the resulting camera data helping guide the physical shoot and subsequent VFX work.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
The Iran ceasefire and subsequent memorandum of understanding were deeply unpopular in Israel, particularly on the right.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of subsequent

Adverb

Confusion appears to be a recurring theme surrounding Pike’s botched execution, and that is evident in the events that unfolded thereafter.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
The hurricane center said the storm's intensity could fluctuate over the next few days but would likely maintain hurricane strength through Thursday, with gradual weakening forecast thereafter.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of thereafter

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latent

later

lateral

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“Later.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/later. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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adverb

adjective

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