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
W. W. WattExamples of after all in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Costly gas and food here and shortages elsewhere are, after all, a small price to pay for subsidizing Putin’s Russia.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
While recruiting Waddle to Alabama, legendary ex-HC Nick Saban told him there would be no guarantees; the Crimson Tide already had future first-round draft picks Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III in the room, after all.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Fergie was on the inside enough to have a lot of information, after all.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Mar. 2026
At least Guillén still speaks his mind on the Sox’s pre- and postgame shows, so maybe there’s hope for nonconformists after all.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for after all
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.
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
While recruiting Waddle to Alabama, legendary ex-HC Nick Saban told him there would be no guarantees; the Crimson Tide already had future first-round draft picks Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III in the room, after all.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Fergie was on the inside enough to have a lot of information, after all.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Mar. 2026
At least Guillén still speaks his mind on the Sox’s pre- and postgame shows, so maybe there’s hope for nonconformists after all.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for after all
Cite this Entry
“After all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20all. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
