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

• after
• later
• latterly
• subsequently
• thereafter

Examples of afterward in a Sentence

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

He was fired from the sheriff's office soon afterward. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 5 Sep. 2024

While spending time at his childhood home afterward, Teezo stumbled upon his father’s toolbox. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2024

Some involve just as much chopping and sautéing and cleaning up afterward as a regular recipe. —Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Sep. 2024

Trump and his campaign attacked CNN and Jake Tapper in particular in advance of the June presidential debate, although the former president actually had some positive words for Tapper and co-moderator Bash afterward. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2024

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