after all
adverb
1
: in spite of considerations or expectations to the contrary : nevertheless
decided to take the train after all
didn't rain after all
2
: in view of all circumstances
literature which is after all only a special department of reading—
W. W. Watt
W. W. WattExamples of after all in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is often said that one man's trash is another man's treasure, after all.
—Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
What is progress, after all, if not swapping error for a timeless truth?
—Nikhil Krishnan, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
The host of The Voice was, after all, married to the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, for six years.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2024
The 2024 Chiefs, after all, have played a relatively weak schedule.
—Harry Enten, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for after all 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
What is progress, after all, if not swapping error for a timeless truth?
—Nikhil Krishnan, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
The host of The Voice was, after all, married to the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, for six years.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2024
The 2024 Chiefs, after all, have played a relatively weak schedule.
—Harry Enten, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for after all
Dictionary Entries Near after all
Cite this Entry
“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share