later

1 of 2

adverb

lat·​er ˈlā-tər 

: at some time subsequent to a given time : subsequently, afterward

one week later

they later regretted the decision

—often used with on

experience that will be useful later on

-later

2 of 2

noun combining form

: worshipper

bibliolater

Synonyms of later

Adverb

• afterward
• after
• thereafter

Examples of later in a Sentence

Adverb

I'll talk to you again later.

They later regretted the decision.

She returned several weeks later.

I saw him again later that morning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Eighteen days later, the national championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium for the second time in the CFP era. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Dec. 2025

On a drive starting at the 12, Mendoza connected with a receiver for 51 yards and then on a crucial third down a few plays later, threw a 17-yard, back-shoulder touchdown pass. —Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025

However, visibilities may continue to drop to one quarter mile or less later tonight into early Monday morning over the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Dec. 2025

Upcoming policy meeting Chinese policymakers are expected to meet later this month for the annual Central Economic Work Conference, to discuss economic growth target, budget and policy priorities for next year. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

see late entry 1

Noun combining form

French -latre, from Late Latin -latres, from Greek -latrēs; akin to Greek latron pay

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing later

• at a later/future date
• later on
• no/not later than
• see you (around/later)
• sooner or later
• sooner rather than later

Rhymes for later

• cater
• crater
• frater
• freighter
• gator
• grater
• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator