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

Before Dred Scott The role of the Supreme Court in legitimizing slavery and embedding the narrative of racial hierarchy in the legal system long predated Dred Scott and continued long afterward. —Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Rinse and dry the sink thoroughly afterward to prevent new spots. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

The 1995-96 shutdowns likely benefited Clinton, but Republicans retained control of Congress afterward. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025

Shortly afterward, Andrew stepped down from public life over his association with Epstein, despite his denials of wrongdoing. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 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