afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tər-wərd 

ˈaf-tə-

variants or afterwards

ˈaf-tər-wərdz 

ˈaf-tə-

: at a later or succeeding time : subsequently, thereafter

found out about it long afterward

Synonyms

• after
• later
• latterly
• subsequently
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Harris was not present for the speech but met with Netanyahu afterward. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Oct. 2024

Ohtani sustained a left shoulder subluxation, or partial dislocation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters afterward. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024

This finding suggests that exposing yourself to horror films, scary stories or suspenseful video games can actually calm you afterward. —Sarah Kollat, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Not long afterward, the Nicaraguan government barred Trujillo from entering the country again. —Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd 

variants or afterwards

-wərdz 

: at a later time