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

Cornyn later expounded on his evolving thoughts about the legislative filibuster. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

DeLong-Amaya said bluebonnets may be harder to find along roadsides this year, but additional spring rainfall could help boost later-blooming flowers. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

The Canadiens scored 13 seconds later as Slafkovsky placed a rebound of Caufield's shot just inside the crossbar. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

That marquee status would seem to be a virtual guarantee for his second-round match later today against Alcaraz—Fonseca gamely fought through his first-round match against Hungary’s Fábián Marozsán yesterday in three sets, setting up this early-round gut-check. —Nick Remsen, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026

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