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

• 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 New World screwworm was a problem in the American cattle industry until it was largely eradicated in the 1970s through the breeding of sterile flies, and factories were shut down afterward. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025

European leaders held a second call afterward to discuss the next steps in the Ukraine conflict, the spokesperson said. —Ben Kelly martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025

The incoming freshman guard at San Diego State was excused from summer practices the week before his father died and stayed with his family for an additional week afterward. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

The most honest conversation happens afterward, when Carrie and Charlotte are walking back home. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2025

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