the latter

noun

1

: the second one of two things or people that have been mentioned

Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.

2

: the last thing or person mentioned

Of chicken, fish, and meat, I like the latter best.

3

: the thing or person that has just been mentioned

The President—or, if the latter is too busy, the Vice President—will see you shortly.

Examples of the latter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After the show, Vestal and Jowsey reconciled and were together for about a month and a half before the latter made his debut on Dancing with the Stars. —Esther Kang, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Alexa Chung, It-girl of the latter era, made a surprise appearance on the runway wearing a tan dress and faux fur coat, while actors Selma Blair and Diane Kruger sat front row. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025

Discussing the latter trend, Blume said Porsche would continue to invest in innovation, while calling for industry, communities and politicians to support the EV transition through developing charging infrastructure. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025

The incentives in the IRA were designed to make the latter easier and more affordable for homeowners. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for the latter

• backscatter
• antimatter
• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• flatter
• hatter
• matter