afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tər-wərd 

ˈaf-tə-

variants or afterwards

ˈaf-tər-wərdz 

ˈaf-tə-

: at a later or succeeding time : subsequently, thereafter

found out about it long afterward

Synonyms of afterward

• later
• after
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sanon got into Sapp’s van, but what happened afterward was detailed in two drastically differing accounts. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

The Geminids will be visible in the days leading up to the peak and for a few days afterward. —Gina Park, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

Additional footage shows a group of Swift's dancers all hugging afterward, with one of them pausing to take a puff from their inhaler. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025

When needed, just transfer your items, breeze through security, and pop them back in your bag afterward. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afterward "behind, in the rear, at a later time," going back to Old English æfterweard "behind, following," from æfter after entry 1 + -weard -ward entry 2; Middle English afterwardes, efterwardes "at a later time," from afterward + -es -s entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd 

variants or afterwards

-wərdz 

: at a later time