after all

adverb

Synonyms of after allnext
1
: in spite of considerations or expectations to the contrary : nevertheless
decided to take the train after all
didn't rain after all
2
: in view of all circumstances
… literature which is after all only a special department of reading.W. W. Watt

Examples of after all in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And then maybe the solar system is not so unique after all. Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 15 Dec. 2025 Still, even after all the screaming fights, the two have a bond that appears to cause physical pain when broken. Jesse Raub, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025 The job of mayor, after all, is usually less like a silent encounter at MOMA, and more like being encased in ice in Times Square for sixty-three hours. Eric Lach, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 This coastal town has long been admired for its Gilded Age mansions, scenic cliff walk, and maritime culture (it’s known as the sailing capital of the world, after all). Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for after all

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of after all was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

after all

adverb
: in spite of what was indicated or expected
decided to go after all
it rained after all

More from Merriam-Webster on after all

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