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 person who set the fire got into the pickup’s passenger seat shortly afterward, and the truck left the area. — Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

And guard and team leader Robert Hunt told reporters afterward that this officiating crew in particular is quick to call unnecsssary roughness. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

Rather than accusing him of entering Moïse’s residence or firing a weapon, prosecutors portrayed him as a Sanon supporter who provided resources for the operation and stood to benefit from the government that conspirators hoped to install afterward. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Coach Dan Quinn said afterward that Chenal was at the hospital and had feeling in his extremities. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 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