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

This is the second time Bolus has represented a client harmed by a JCPS bus in an accident in which the driver did not get drug tested afterward. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Sep. 2024

After the previous attempt on Trump’s life during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, his campaign briefly paused outdoor rallies, but went ahead with scheduled appearances at the Republican National Convention in the days afterward. —Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

Kupp had caught a pass and turned into a 24-yard reception but was limping afterward, and sat out the second half of a defeat that dropped the Rams’ record to 0-2 for the first time in McVay’s eight seasons. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024

Routh, who did not fire his rifle, fled and was detained soon afterward. —Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2024

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