afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: an idea occurring later
2
: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

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 Envision a future where privacy is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of all digital interactions. Mani Padisetti, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 The Mini has always felt like an afterthought — updated only occasionally, forced to run apps and an OS clearly designed for larger screens — but the one-handed iPad was the one for me anyway. David Pierce, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2024 This is certainly not to say the fillings are an afterthought: The Banana Cream is whipped to perfection, the Apple is teeming with over 3 pounds of tender fruit, and the Dark Chocolate Truffle is as indulgent as a bonbon and made with chocolate from local company Videri. Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024 Best Amazon Carry-on Luggage Deals The quality of your carry-on suitcase tends to be an afterthought, especially since it's rarely checked. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for afterthought 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'afterthought.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterthought was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near afterthought

Cite this Entry

“Afterthought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterthought. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

afterthought

noun
af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: a later thought about something one has done or said
2
: something not thought of originally

More from Merriam-Webster on afterthought

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