later

1 of 3

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 3

comparative of late entry 1, late entry 2

-later

3 of 3

noun combining form

: worshipper

bibliolater

Synonyms of later

Adverb

• 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

The winning illustration in this reader poll will be available on a mug at The New York Times Store later this year. — New York Times, 12 Nov. 2026

In the fall of 2024, NIST finalized its first three (later more) post-quantum cryptographic standards, with a migration roadmap targeting the removal of quantum-vulnerable public-key cryptography from its standards by 2035. — Peter Smulovics, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Three years later, the ban was lifted for all military roles. — Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026

But 21 seconds later, Wright batted a loose puck to Struble for his third goal. — Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

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