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

Some members of the team’s traveling delegation did not receiving visas to enter the United States, and the team was forced to enter the US from Mexico a day before each of their first two games and then had to leave almost immediately afterward. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

Identifying concerns before a storm can help reduce damage and facilitate repairs afterward. — Stephen Hauptman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

But only Canada was celebrating afterward; the country has now won a World Cup elimination game more recently than a Stanley Cup. — Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Thorn went home afterward and got started. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

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