afterlife

noun

af·​ter·​life ˈaf-tər-ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
Synonyms of afterlifenext
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life
3
: a period of continued or renewed use, existence, or popularity beyond what is normal, primary, or expected
a TV show with a long afterlife in syndication

Examples of afterlife in a Sentence

Does he believe in an afterlife? written in afterlife, his memoirs reveal a kinder, more forgiving man
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.
This preview of 2026 in poetry includes poets based in California (Northern and Southern), Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and, well, the afterlife. Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026 Inside, a trove of occult objects attests to its erstwhile owner’s conception of the space as a funerary mansion for his soul in the afterlife. Javier Montes, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 Maddie struggles with terrifying visions and the weight of protecting both the living and the dead while Simon (Kristian Ventura)—trapped in the afterlife—becomes obsessed with the secrets buried in Split River High’s scars. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 31 Dec. 2025 The show explores the mysteries of the afterlife with high-tech equipment and overviews of the rich histories of some of the world's most tragic deaths. Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for afterlife

Word History

Etymology

after- + life entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterlife was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afterlife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterlife. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

afterlife

noun
af·​ter·​life -ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life

More from Merriam-Webster on afterlife

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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