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

In golf, Jim Furyk (2003 US open winner) and Scottie Scheffler (2022 and 2024 Masters winner), have unorthodox swings, the latter particularly when driving. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025

Ramon Zürcher picked up two awards for his family drama The Sparrow in the Chimney, which also premiered at Locarno, winning best screenplay and best sound design, sharing the latter with Peter von Siebenthal and Balthasar Jucker. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025

During the latter stages of his boxing livelihood, Foreman worked as an analyst for HBO. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

Insiders claim Kelce and Swift are determined to be in the latter category, with their current challenges allegedly bringing them closer rather than driving them apart. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for the latter

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