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

• 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

After one win, Mark meets up with his opponent afterward but there’s no ill will − instead, manly embraces happen and pictures are taken. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Local air quality officials warned that the fire could cause a deterioration in air quality in the immediate vicinity afterward. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025

See his list here and feel smarter afterward. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

In either case, the straight track during the boost phase doesn’t rule out cross-range movements afterward. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 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