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

Working from a tropical paradise, taking calls with an ocean view, and then unwinding at the beach afterward sounds idyllic. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

When Marcus called to thank Trump afterward, the mogul surprised him. —Dan Alexander, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

Golden State Warriors star guard Stephen Curry seemed to enjoy the game and commented on the fact afterward. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Was Sunday’s product better than last year’s embarrassing effort in Indianapolis, a 211-186 debacle that was so bad even NBA commissioner Adam Silver didn’t try to sell it afterward? —David Aldridge, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

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