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 WebAzure Gilman, Fortune, 3 May 2024
The restaurant is planned to open in a month with the coffee shop opening after.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
After initially calling in the NYPD to remove the encampment on April 18, the university allowed students to reestablish it immediately after.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 May 2024
Clarkson followed up soon after with the sophomore effort Breakaway, achieving multiplatinum status.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 1 May 2024
One jury acquitted him of murder, another convicted him of rape
No charges resulted from the 2003 investigation, and Gardner resigned from the school soon after.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2024
The first strike hit just past midnight, and the second one soon after, said Mr. al-Masri, an accountant who was sheltering with his family in a tent in a large encampment in Rafah.
—Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Soon after, the couple started a weekly newspaper called the Ouachita Citizen.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 2024
Not long after, the statistician Jeff Sagarin applied Elo to rank NFL teams outside their official league standings.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024
Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
While coverage of the Derby will probably focus on memorable races and moments from the past, this auspicious anniversary is also an opportune time to scrutinize the racist history of the sport and that of the Churchill family after whom Churchill Downs is named.
—TIME, 4 May 2024
Robert Champion’s mother, Pam Champion, stared at her phone after hearing the heartbreaking news that left her breathless.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 4 May 2024
Popular on Variety For the series still awaiting their fate, here’s a look at what has the best chance of coming back — and what is likely done after this season.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 May 2024
Foster’s mother said his organs were donated after his death in accordance with his wishes.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024
It is named after the co-founder of Atlantic Records.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
Photo: Mirai Sahara/Courtesy of 10ft Single by Stella Dallas
Stella Dallas
Think of this pair of side-by-side stores named Stella Dallas Living and 10ft Single by Stella Dallas (named after the 1923 Olive Higgins Prouty film of the same name) as sisters, not twins.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024
Paris Hilton Welcomes Second Baby, a Girl, with Husband Carter Reum: 'So Much to Be Grateful For'
Months after sharing the announcement of her baby girl, Hilton introduced London to the world by sharing the first official photos of her daughter exclusively with PEOPLE on April 19.
—Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 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
Soon after, CHROs were asked to help companies navigate a racial reckoning in the U.S. following the murder of George Floyd.
—Azure Gilman, Fortune, 3 May 2024
The restaurant is planned to open in a month with the coffee shop opening after.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
After initially calling in the NYPD to remove the encampment on April 18, the university allowed students to reestablish it immediately after.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 May 2024
Clarkson followed up soon after with the sophomore effort Breakaway, achieving multiplatinum status.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 1 May 2024
One jury acquitted him of murder, another convicted him of rape
No charges resulted from the 2003 investigation, and Gardner resigned from the school soon after.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2024
The first strike hit just past midnight, and the second one soon after, said Mr. al-Masri, an accountant who was sheltering with his family in a tent in a large encampment in Rafah.
—Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Soon after, the couple started a weekly newspaper called the Ouachita Citizen.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 2024
Not long after, the statistician Jeff Sagarin applied Elo to rank NFL teams outside their official league standings.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024
Preposition
Short hop Betts was named N L player of the month after hitting .368 with a 1.101 OPS, six homers and 23 RBIs in March and April.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
While coverage of the Derby will probably focus on memorable races and moments from the past, this auspicious anniversary is also an opportune time to scrutinize the racist history of the sport and that of the Churchill family after whom Churchill Downs is named.
—TIME, 4 May 2024
Robert Champion’s mother, Pam Champion, stared at her phone after hearing the heartbreaking news that left her breathless.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 4 May 2024
Popular on Variety For the series still awaiting their fate, here’s a look at what has the best chance of coming back — and what is likely done after this season.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 May 2024
Foster’s mother said his organs were donated after his death in accordance with his wishes.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024
It is named after the co-founder of Atlantic Records.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
Photo: Mirai Sahara/Courtesy of 10ft Single by Stella Dallas
Stella Dallas
Think of this pair of side-by-side stores named Stella Dallas Living and 10ft Single by Stella Dallas (named after the 1923 Olive Higgins Prouty film of the same name) as sisters, not twins.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024
Paris Hilton Welcomes Second Baby, a Girl, with Husband Carter Reum: 'So Much to Be Grateful For'
Months after sharing the announcement of her baby girl, Hilton introduced London to the world by sharing the first official photos of her daughter exclusively with PEOPLE on April 19.
—Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 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 15 May. 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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