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

Instead of memory foam neck pillows, this is machine washable, and won’t lose its shape or smell weird afterward. —Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Several members of the team stayed in Australia on humanitarian visas afterward. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

The virus spreads by direct contact when an infected person coughs or sneezes, usually four days before developing a rash and four days afterward. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026

The audience is invited to a Q&A session afterward at Uncle Menny’s Greek Pizza. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 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