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

Not long afterward, Republicans on the panel released a trove of 20,000 documents connected with the Epstein case. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 14 Nov. 2025

Using a range hood while cooking will also help ventilate airborne grease particles—but be sure to wipe the hood down afterward. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2025

But afterward, there was nothing. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2025

Footage from the moments afterward shows three different security officials pinning the aggressor to the ground before hauling him away. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Nov. 2025

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