after all

adverb

Synonyms of after allnext
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
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.
The classics, after all, were the foundation of Western ideals like liberty, democracy, and freedom. Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026 Booker, after all, is a Mississippi native. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026 The decision, after all, comes two years after Prime Video scaled back its own ambitions to become the biggest player on the continent, effectively pulling out of the African market. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026 That’s evident in dating apps becoming a downer for Gen Z, who would rather meet people in real life, and studies showing the generation actually does like to work in person after all. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for after all

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of after all was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

after all

adverb
: in spite of what was indicated or expected
decided to go after all
it rained after all

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