later

1 of 2

adverb

lat·​er ˈlā-tər 

: at some time subsequent to a given time : subsequently, afterward

one week later

they later regretted the decision

—often used with on

experience that will be useful later on

-later

2 of 2

noun combining form

: worshipper

bibliolater

Synonyms

Adverb

• afterwards
• afterward
• after
• thereafter

Examples of later in a Sentence

Adverb

I'll talk to you again later.

They later regretted the decision.

She returned several weeks later.

I saw him again later that morning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

A little later, Collinsworth noted (as many have) that Mahomes’ voice can sound like Kermit the Frog. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025

Additionally, minor soundside flooding is expected to begin later today and last through at least Wednesday. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025

Released hostages later reported seeing him alive, and in May 2025 Hamas released a video showing him alongside fellow hostage Elkana Buchbut. —Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

Ty Benefield intercepted New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne on the next possession, and the offense got a 25-yard touchdown pass from Maddux Madsen to Ben Ford a few plays later — their second scoring connection of the night. —Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

see late entry 1

Noun combining form

French -latre, from Late Latin -latres, from Greek -latrēs; akin to Greek latron pay

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing later

• at a later/future date
• later on
• no/not later than
• see you (around/later)
• sooner or later
• sooner rather than later

Rhymes for later

• cater
• crater
• frater
• freighter
• gator
• grater
• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator