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

• after
• later
• latterly
• subsequently
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rinse and dry the sink thoroughly afterward to prevent new spots. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025

Tampa Bay Lightning, 25-18-3 Last week: 11 Sean’s ranking: 12 Dom’s ranking: 12 The Lightning have five extremely good forwards and a huge dropoff in talent afterward. —Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Behrend didn’t respond at the meeting and left immediately afterward. —Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Verstappen was penalized with community service but also protested by refusing to answer questions at some press conferences afterward. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 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