afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tər-wərd 

ˈaf-tə-

variants or afterwards

ˈaf-tər-wərdz 

ˈaf-tə-

: at a later or succeeding time : subsequently, thereafter

found out about it long afterward

Synonyms of afterward

• later
• after
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Soon afterward, the antagonism between Nusra and ISIS spiralled into open conflict. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

The suitcase containing her body was found soon afterward by railway tracks in a deserted area. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Soon afterward, her OB-GYN found a lump in her right breast during a routine breast exam. — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Kjærvik said calming exercises, social support, group discussion, or other aspects of a retreat are more likely to explain why participants might feel calmer afterward than venting. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afterward "behind, in the rear, at a later time," going back to Old English æfterweard "behind, following," from æfter after entry 1 + -weard -ward entry 2; Middle English afterwardes, efterwardes "at a later time," from afterward + -es -s entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd 

variants or afterwards

-wərdz 

: at a later time