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

The vessel was released a few days later, but the incident forms part of a broader campaign by Tehran to assert control over maritime activity near its shores—a pattern that has raised tensions in the Gulf and unsettled shipping operators and foreign governments alike. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025

After the Chargers later failed on fourth-and-inches deep in Raiders territory, Las Vegas tied the score at 7-7 late in the first half. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025

The economist pointed to the upcoming Politburo meeting and the Central Economic Work Conference later this month for policymakers’ signals on next year’s economic priorities. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Dec. 2025

Two plays later, the Broncos took the lead, 27-20, on a 5-yard Harvey plunge. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 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