after all

adverb

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

Because the silhouettes are so adaptable, many can easily work as entryway console tables, dressing tables, and even sideboards to hold extra plates and silverware after all your dinner parties. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 2026

The consent of the people, via their vote, is what legitimizes government action after all. — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026

Under Evero and defensive pass game coordinator Jonathan Cooley the past two, after all, Jackson had a career renaissance. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026

The Democrats, after all, won on platforms that promised to bring down prices, tackle corruption, reckon with inequality, expand health-care access, reject nativism, and take on the wealthiest of the élites. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for after all

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

after all

adverb

: in spite of what was indicated or expected

decided to go after all

it rained after all