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

Make sure to get the matcha and granola bowl and a cold brew mixed with orange juice and thank me later. —Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

In the doc, Ferrell and Steele encounter Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, who later signed a gender-affirming care ban in his state. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025

The Las Vegas showgirl, which later became its own brand entirely, is now more closely associated with crystalline cage bras, diamanté panties and tall feather headdresses. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

From left: The delivery driver drops off the vanity; and Mike tries to pick it up later. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 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