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

• later
• after
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Officers detained the man but released him soon afterward, police sources said. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

The two continued arguing afterward, with Rachel Reilly interjecting to stick up for Ashley. —David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025

If you were motivated during the campaign, stay motivated afterward. —Cj Eason, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Pritzker responded in his own press conference shortly afterward. —Brian Bennett, Time, 2 Sep. 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