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

Also Wednesday, the Israeli military issued several warnings to people to evacuate buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, which were struck shortly afterward. —Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026

The surgery is scheduled for April 20, and Dobby will be available for adoption afterward. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026

Blount said afterward that her team was unselfish with the guards feeding the post and the bigs kicking the ball back out to give guards shots. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Passengers who leave Austin before April 1 and return afterward will depart from the South Terminal but arrive back at the main terminal. —Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 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