afterward

adverb

af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tər-wərd How to pronounce afterward (audio)
ˈaf-tə-
variants or afterwards
ˈaf-tər-wərdz How to pronounce afterward (audio)
ˈaf-tə-
: at a later or succeeding time : subsequently, thereafter
found out about it long afterward

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward. Afterward, she got a promotion.
Recent Examples on the Web Harris was not present for the speech but met with Netanyahu afterward. Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Oct. 2024 Ohtani sustained a left shoulder subluxation, or partial dislocation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters afterward. Issy Ronald, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 This finding suggests that exposing yourself to horror films, scary stories or suspenseful video games can actually calm you afterward. Sarah Kollat, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 Not long afterward, the Nicaraguan government barred Trujillo from entering the country again. Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for afterward 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'afterward.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterward was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near afterward

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

afterward

adverb
af·​ter·​ward ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd How to pronounce afterward (audio)
variants or afterwards
: at a later time

More from Merriam-Webster on afterward

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