1
a
: behind in place
people lined up one after another
b(1)
: subsequent to in time or order
20 minutes after 6
(2)
: subsequent to and in view of
after all our advice
2
—used to indicate the object of a stated or implied action
go after gold
was asking after you
3
: so as to resemble: such as
a
: in accordance with
He's a man after my own heart.
b
: with the name of or a name derived from that of
named after his father
c
: in the characteristic manner of : in imitation of
writing after the manner of Hemingway
see also take after
: subsequently to the time when
We will come after we make plans.
1
: later in time
in after years
2
[Middle English, probably from afte aft entry 1 + -er -er entry 1]
: located toward the rear and especially toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft
an after cabin
af·ter
ˈäf-tər 
chiefly Ireland
—used with a present participle to indicate action completed and especially just completed
the poor old man is after dying on me—
J. M. Synge
J. M. Synge1
a
—used as the first part of a compound to indicate an event or entity that follows or results from the thing denoted by the second part of the compound
afterbirth
afterlife
afternoon
b
—used as the first part of a compound to indicate an event or entity of the same nature as the thing denoted by the second part of the compound but which follows that event or entity and is less intense or significant
afterglow
aftershock
afterthought
2
—the rear or lower part
afterdeck
Synonyms
Examples of after in a Sentence
Adverb
Don't tell them until after.
I expected her then, but she arrived the week after.
He ate lunch and left just after.
Preposition
We arrived shortly after six o'clock.
He returned after 20 years.
before, during, and after the war
He left just after nightfall.
He finished the exam after me.
Call me after your arrival.
She was going to arrive tomorrow but I'm now expecting her the day after tomorrow instead.
He left after an hour.
How can you say that after what happened last night?
It's the highest mountain after Mount Everest.
Conjunction
He returned after 20 years had passed.
Don't tell them until after they've had dinner.
He left just after the show ended.
Call me after you arrive.
He finished the exam after I did.
It happened not long after he graduated from college.
Adjective
had heard that the after section of the cruise ship had more spacious cabins
in after years the government set up a special fund for disabled veterans of the war
Recent Examples on the WebRachel Brodsky, TIME, 27 May 2024
Not long after, South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott gave a speech faulting Democrats and politics for a lack of progress.
—Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 May 2024
Soon after, Carver argued with his love interest, Paramedic in Charge Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), who accused him of still having a crush on Kidd.
—Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
Closing arguments are expected to take place May 28, with a possible jury decision soon after.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024
Not long after, Dayspring Christian senior Eboselulu Omofoma capped her own four-peat, running away from the field in the 2A 100 hurdles to set a new meet record in 14.24 seconds.
—Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 18 May 2024
Popular on Variety Not long after, it was confirmed that series star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada had signed a deal to return for a second season.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 May 2024
Almost immediately after, charter flights and buses started dropping large numbers of people in Villahermosa.
—Paulina Villegas Luis Antonio Rojas, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Nancy left college and joined the band on guitar not long after.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2024
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2024
Farmer Boys: Big Cheese burgers will sell for $4 after 2 p.m. at participating locations on May 28.
—Fielding Buck, Orange County Register, 28 May 2024
The two loudest moments of dissent occurred during a brief pregame thank-you video and two minutes later when he was announced as Cubs manager after starting lineup introductions.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2024
Israel has faced international criticism for the large number of civilian casualties after nearly eight months of war in Gaza.
—Anna Gordon, TIME, 28 May 2024
An Ohio billionaire is planning to take the journey in a submersible down to the Titanic wreckage after OceanGate’s fatal sub implosion.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
Nike's representatives contacted federal prosecutors after the meeting and agreed to let the FBI record their conversations with Avenatti.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 May 2024
Bill Walton passed away Monday after 71 years of a life like no other, ever.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024
But some fans took to the internet after the trailer’s release to criticize Ubisoft for setting the game in Japan and not having its leading character be Japanese.
—Chantelle Lee, TIME, 16 May 2024
Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
Friday through Sunday night, different groups of musicians will take the stage from 11 p.m. until after 1 a.m., with trombonist Vincent Chandler hosting an after hours jam session Sunday night.
—Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 31 Aug. 2023
Even following its after hours tumble, the company’s shares fetch around 13 times forward earnings—a premium to American Eagle Outfitters, PVH Corp. and VF Corp. This analysis comes from the Journal's Heard on the Street team.
—Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2023
The after stateroom can be optioned as a lounge, turning the Fiart 43 into an excellent choice for a cruising couple who is ready to say ciao, bella!, albeit with a noticeable American accent.
—Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
As a general rule, experts suggest investing between 15% to 25% of your after-tax income.
—Ivana Pino, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2023
What does your after-party look like once the show ends?
—Calie Schepp, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2022
Investing early: Some experts recommend setting aside anywhere from 15%-25% of your after-tax income for investing, although this could look a little different for everyone.
—Ivana Pino, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2022
And in the after end of the console is a sink and barbecue that offers service to a dining settee that ostensibly seats eight people, though that seems optimistic if everyone shows up at the same time.
—Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2022
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024
At the after party, Katelyn got teary-eyed talking about the struggle of the group date.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024
School operations and afters chool programs will continue as planned, officials said.
—Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
From red carpet arrivals to the show to the after party, there’s visual continuity, explains MaryJane Partlow, the Academy’s executive vice president, awards production and special events.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024
Of course, the sheer trend also made an appearance at the afters, and attendees took different approaches to baring it all.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024
The company is owned by FL Entertainment, which also posted profits on Thursday showing revenues of €4.5 billion ($5.8 billion) two years afters making its debut on the Amsterdam stock market.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024
The benefit event, with an after party for $1000 Silver and $1500 Gold contributors, was part of a string of comedy shows planned for across the U.S. as the RFK Jr. campaign looks to continue raising campaign funds.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024
Moody will enter his first postseason under extra scrutiny after missing a 38-yard field-goal attempt, then slicing a point-after try to snap his phenomenal 60-for-60 start.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2024
Adverb
Very soon after, the brothers embrace and apologize.
—Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 27 May 2024
Not long after, South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott gave a speech faulting Democrats and politics for a lack of progress.
—Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 May 2024
Soon after, Carver argued with his love interest, Paramedic in Charge Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), who accused him of still having a crush on Kidd.
—Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
Closing arguments are expected to take place May 28, with a possible jury decision soon after.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024
Not long after, Dayspring Christian senior Eboselulu Omofoma capped her own four-peat, running away from the field in the 2A 100 hurdles to set a new meet record in 14.24 seconds.
—Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 18 May 2024
Popular on Variety Not long after, it was confirmed that series star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada had signed a deal to return for a second season.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 May 2024
Almost immediately after, charter flights and buses started dropping large numbers of people in Villahermosa.
—Paulina Villegas Luis Antonio Rojas, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Nancy left college and joined the band on guitar not long after.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2024
Preposition
The Panthers trail the best-of-7 series 2-1 entering Game 4 after losing both Games 2 and 3 in overtime.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2024
Farmer Boys: Big Cheese burgers will sell for $4 after 2 p.m. at participating locations on May 28.
—Fielding Buck, Orange County Register, 28 May 2024
The two loudest moments of dissent occurred during a brief pregame thank-you video and two minutes later when he was announced as Cubs manager after starting lineup introductions.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2024
Israel has faced international criticism for the large number of civilian casualties after nearly eight months of war in Gaza.
—Anna Gordon, TIME, 28 May 2024
An Ohio billionaire is planning to take the journey in a submersible down to the Titanic wreckage after OceanGate’s fatal sub implosion.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
Nike's representatives contacted federal prosecutors after the meeting and agreed to let the FBI record their conversations with Avenatti.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 May 2024
Bill Walton passed away Monday after 71 years of a life like no other, ever.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024
But some fans took to the internet after the trailer’s release to criticize Ubisoft for setting the game in Japan and not having its leading character be Japanese.
—Chantelle Lee, TIME, 16 May 2024
Adjective
Following the show’s taping, the two also stepped out for the after party together.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
Friday through Sunday night, different groups of musicians will take the stage from 11 p.m. until after 1 a.m., with trombonist Vincent Chandler hosting an after hours jam session Sunday night.
—Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 31 Aug. 2023
Even following its after hours tumble, the company’s shares fetch around 13 times forward earnings—a premium to American Eagle Outfitters, PVH Corp. and VF Corp. This analysis comes from the Journal's Heard on the Street team.
—Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2023
The after stateroom can be optioned as a lounge, turning the Fiart 43 into an excellent choice for a cruising couple who is ready to say ciao, bella!, albeit with a noticeable American accent.
—Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
As a general rule, experts suggest investing between 15% to 25% of your after-tax income.
—Ivana Pino, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2023
What does your after-party look like once the show ends?
—Calie Schepp, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2022
Investing early: Some experts recommend setting aside anywhere from 15%-25% of your after-tax income for investing, although this could look a little different for everyone.
—Ivana Pino, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2022
And in the after end of the console is a sink and barbecue that offers service to a dining settee that ostensibly seats eight people, though that seems optimistic if everyone shows up at the same time.
—Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2022
Noun
Pugh, who wore a Del Core dress with elevated straps on the Oscars red carpet, hit the afters in a sheer number from Simone Rocha’s Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2024 couture collection.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024
At the after party, Katelyn got teary-eyed talking about the struggle of the group date.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024
School operations and afters chool programs will continue as planned, officials said.
—Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
From red carpet arrivals to the show to the after party, there’s visual continuity, explains MaryJane Partlow, the Academy’s executive vice president, awards production and special events.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024
Of course, the sheer trend also made an appearance at the afters, and attendees took different approaches to baring it all.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024
The company is owned by FL Entertainment, which also posted profits on Thursday showing revenues of €4.5 billion ($5.8 billion) two years afters making its debut on the Amsterdam stock market.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024
The benefit event, with an after party for $1000 Silver and $1500 Gold contributors, was part of a string of comedy shows planned for across the U.S. as the RFK Jr. campaign looks to continue raising campaign funds.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024
Moody will enter his first postseason under extra scrutiny after missing a 38-yard field-goal attempt, then slicing a point-after try to snap his phenomenal 60-for-60 start.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'after.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near after
Cite this Entry
“After.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
after
2 of 4 preposition1
a
: behind in time or place
following after us
after dinner
b
: below in rank or order
the highest mountain after Mount Everest
2
: for the reason of catching, seizing, or getting
ran after the ball
go after gold
3
a
: with the name of or a name derived from that of
named after his father
b
: in imitation of
patterned after a Gothic cathedral
after
3 of 4 conjunction
: later than the time when
opened the door after she knocked
after
4 of 4 adjective1
: later in time
in after years
2
: located toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft
Etymology
Adverb
Old English æfter "behind, later"
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