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

While the polls closed at 6 p.m., voters were still waiting in line almost two hours afterward in Hendricks County. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024

His attorney William Sulton argued during a 20-minute initial appearance that there was no legal basis for the charges and, afterward, accused the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office of bringing the charges to get media attention. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024

This scenario will still be positive for markets, with the S & P 500 set to gain 1.5% afterward, the note read. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Soon afterward, Harris began blatantly calling Trump a fascist. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 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