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

The trouble is washing up afterward. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Despite performances like Cofie’s, Ausar said afterward that the Trojans are still seeking the everyday habits and work ethic that will win them games. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026

The company has been refining its systems to better navigate during such circumstances and weather, Waymo said afterward. —Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

Globally, one in three adults was hit by some form of digital fraud, with many reporting anxiety or depression afterward. —Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 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