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

What's recommended to add volume back to the face afterward? —Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

Quite a few projects were shared following their break-up after lead singer Kurt Cobain passed away, and this week, a mix of titles that dropped during their heyday and afterward appear on the charts. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Of those people, 68 percent experienced intrusive thoughts about the accident, 40 percent experienced depression and anxiety, and 51 percent experienced PTSD symptoms afterward. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Miami coach Mario Cristobal talked about the lack of defensive stops afterward. —Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Dec. 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