thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟her-ˈaf-tər 

1

: after that

2

archaic : according to that : accordingly

Synonyms of thereafter

• later
• afterward
• after

Examples of thereafter in a Sentence

Thereafter, the two companies operated in full partnership.

gave his farewell speech and left the room shortly thereafter

Recent Examples on the Web

The criminal charges for which he has now been sentenced followed thereafter. — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The All-Star Game will be held next summer at Wrigley Field, setting the stage thereafter for the return to San Francisco. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026

The desolate landscape and little human occupation thereafter helped preserve the rock art through centuries of exposure to wind, rain, and sun. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office confirmed shortly thereafter that the child was found safe and sound, and the Amber Alert was called off. — Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thereafter

• hereafter
• after
• drafter
• laughter
• rafter
• hereinafter
• thereinafter

Kids Definition

thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟ha-ˈraf-tər 

t͟he-

: after that

it was returned shortly thereafter