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

Examples of after all in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even after all that, this whole journey more often than not doesn’t even make it into official electronic health records. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026

The Astros’ fans seemed to appreciate Perez having fun, and after all these years, no one plays the game with more glee. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Charles Spencer is, after all, still Prince William and Prince Harry’s uncle. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Sep. 2026

The test, after all, costs money to take, and wealthier families can afford tutors and prep classes. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for after all

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

after all

adverb

: in spite of what was indicated or expected

decided to go after all

it rained after all