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

Adverb

• afterwards
• 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

Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus. —Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

In early fall, use it as a warm accent with your favorite summer dresses, then pair it with jeans or leggings once the weather cools down later in the season. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025

Bertrand was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999 and was later diagnosed with breast cancer before her death in January 2007. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Two plays later, Rodgers found Calvin Austin III for a go-ahead touchdown to give the Steelers a 31-26 lead. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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