after all

adverb

1
: in spite of considerations or expectations to the contrary : nevertheless
decided to take the train after all
didn't rain after all
2
: in view of all circumstances
literature which is after all only a special department of readingW. W. Watt

Examples of after all in a Sentence

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.
There would be no titanium mining on the edge of the Okefenokee, after all. David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025 The league table never lies, after all. Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 The father, identified as Drew Felwell, gave the ball to the woman after all. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 One would hope the Chicken Man, friend of ancient chickens, would eat less chicken, after all. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for after all

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of after all was in 1590

Cite this Entry

“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

after all

adverb
: in spite of what was indicated or expected
decided to go after all
it rained after all

More from Merriam-Webster on after all

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!