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

Chandler’s family sued, and Jackson settled for about twenty-three million dollars; afterward, Chandler stopped coöperating with prosecutors, and the investigation was closed. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Although the car will likely start with a jump‑start and may seem fine afterward, that only addresses the symptom (not starting), not the cause. —Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026

Voted best newcomer, Panarin was acquired via trade just before the Olympic break and made his Kings debut right afterward. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

Billops, 16, was shot several times and was pronounced dead soon afterward, according to a police report obtained by the Tribune. —Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 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