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 readingW. 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.
Ava barely has time to process this new information before finding out that she was not added to the Oscars credentials list after all. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 23 May 2025 But this is camp after all, and that meant getting outdoors, despite the chilly temps. Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025 However, there is a longer history of popes called Leo — there have been 14, after all — and Robert Prevost is undoubtedly aware of their careers, too. Alison Hudson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025 Young people, after all, hate being told what to do. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 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

Cite this Entry

“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 29 May. 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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