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
Copy the lifestyle guru by picking up the blouse in army green, or choose from 19 additional colors, including black, khaki, navy, and beige — the latter color is the cheapest of the bunch.
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Averi Baudler, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Even though that film and del Toro's Frankenstein derive from the same source material, the latter is being described in early reviews as a far more faithful adaptation.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Once hair and makeup are finished, Moretz and Harrison are joined by the close friends, Kiersey Clemons and Jessica Lucatorto, the latter of whom is also Harrison’s cousin, and the foursome hop into an SUV to head to the Louis Vuitton atelier.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025
Yes, Seyfried and Roberts lived out the sartorial fantasy of many millennials — sharing the perfect pair of denim (as a group of best friends do in the latter film).
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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Averi Baudler, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Even though that film and del Toro's Frankenstein derive from the same source material, the latter is being described in early reviews as a far more faithful adaptation.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Once hair and makeup are finished, Moretz and Harrison are joined by the close friends, Kiersey Clemons and Jessica Lucatorto, the latter of whom is also Harrison’s cousin, and the foursome hop into an SUV to head to the Louis Vuitton atelier.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025
Yes, Seyfried and Roberts lived out the sartorial fantasy of many millennials — sharing the perfect pair of denim (as a group of best friends do in the latter film).
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
Cite this Entry
“The latter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20latter. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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