BELATED Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

belated

adjective

bi-ˈlā-təd

Definition of belated

as in delayed

not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time a belated birthday card

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of belated The closer and title track serve as a belated mission statement, at once tonally busy and capaciously arranged, as if to make the frequency spectrum itself a character in the songs. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 June 2026 The journey proves a belated act of self-discovery. — John Hopewell, Variety, 17 May 2026 Tonkin marked their first wedding anniversary in a belated Instagram post on Tuesday, May 12. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Seattle receiver Golden Tate, after pushing off on the Packers’ Sam Shields (no flag was thrown, naturally), had made what seemed like a belated reach and put a single arm on the ball as Jennings fell to the ground. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belated

Adjective

In a later video clip posted to his TikTok, Ash could be seen FaceTiming his social media manager, explaining that the group’s paperwork caused the delayed entry.

— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026
The delayed flight was one of two crises that Haitian officials faced on Thursday with deportees being returned from the United States.

— Gérard Maxineau, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of delayed

Adjective

Coalition adviser Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila's residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN's mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
The Bay Area rapper’s latest record boasts vivid scenes and careful character studies, backed by live instrumentation and occasionally staid samples.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Know More Waters is one of a number of senior members of Congress that fellow Democrats are grumbling about in private for being delinquent on their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Lena Hardy, communications director for the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, said the city will increase shutoffs for eligible delinquent accounts, write off inactive accounts and hold corporations with unpaid balances accountable.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of delinquent

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belabors

belated

belatedly

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“Belated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belated. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of belated

adjective

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