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 of afterward

• later
• after
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The tumor was removed, however due to its locations and the extensive surgical procedure there were changes in her personality afterward. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026

Messi had one good chance in the four minutes of stoppage time, but the shot was blocked away and soon afterward Nashville was moving on. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Shortly afterward, the members staggered their enlistments in the military to carry out their mandatory service periods while working on solo projects as well. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2026

The attorney for the plaintiff, Jonathan Kovar, was unable to attend the hearing but filed a motion afterward. —Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026

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