afterlife

noun

af·​ter·​life ˈaf-tər-ˌlīf 

1

: an existence after death

2

: a later period in one's life

3

: a period of continued or renewed use, existence, or popularity beyond what is normal, primary, or expected

a TV show with a long afterlife in syndication

Synonyms of afterlife

• age
• twilight
• evening
• afternoon
• autumn

Examples of afterlife in a Sentence

Does he believe in an afterlife?

written in afterlife, his memoirs reveal a kinder, more forgiving man

Recent Examples on the Web

The ceremony includes chanting, drumming, dancing, and prayers intended to honor the deceased and guide their spirit to the afterlife. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026

But its true cultural afterlife came much later, courtesy of Saturday Night Live. —Ryan Brennan april 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

Historians believe they were meant to ensure his financial stability in the afterlife. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026

Digital Project’s afterlife was largely absorbed into the world of building information modeling (BIM), construction management, and efficiency optimization. —Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

after- + life entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for afterlife

• pocketknife
• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• loosestrife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife

Kids Definition

afterlife

noun

af·​ter·​life -ˌlīf 

1

: an existence after death

2

: a later period in one's life