afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt 

1

: an idea occurring later

made the suggestion as an afterthought

2

: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

a seating area added as an afterthought to the office

Examples of afterthought in a Sentence

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat.

The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought.

The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.

Recent Examples on the Web

These 10 shows underscore how the halftime show — which once felt like little more than an afterthought for producers, a way to fill time between gridiron action — has become every bit as important as the game itself. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

Plush textures such as sheepskin, velvet, or textured upholstery, combined with enveloping shapes and natural materials, make chairs feel like an experience rather than an afterthought, inviting hotel guests to sit, relax, and linger. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026

The 2017 pick became Anžejs Pasečņiks, an NBA afterthought. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Despite their central role, nonprofits are routinely treated as afterthoughts in budget debates and regulatory design. —Cat Ward, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for afterthought

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot
• huguenot

Kids Definition

afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt 

1

: a later thought about something one has done or said

2

: something not thought of originally