afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt 

1

: an idea occurring later

made the suggestion as an afterthought

2

: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

a seating area added as an afterthought to the office

Examples of afterthought in a Sentence

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat.

The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought.

The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stylists emphasize that comfort should never be an afterthought. —Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2026

Ethical questions, civilian risk, and regulatory boundaries are part of the conversation, not afterthoughts. —Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026

Families should feel that their questions are welcomed, that limitations are discussed openly, and that follow-up care is integrated into the overall plan rather than treated as an afterthought. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Frederick was a name that wasn’t much more than an afterthought until Wells entered the fray, but the youngster has now played 239 minutes this season, started two matches and has a goal and an assist. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for afterthought

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot
• huguenot

Kids Definition

afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt 

1

: a later thought about something one has done or said

2

: something not thought of originally