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

People were definitely discussing that possibility afterward. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

Those contributions were made just before the November, 2024, election, but Kushner waited until afterward to speak publicly about them. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Ratliff’s attorney at the hearing left the courthouse afterward without speaking to reporters. — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The warehouse will first provide click-and-collect capabilities for Primark shoppers, with home delivery following afterward. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 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