the latter

noun

1

: the second one of two things or people that have been mentioned

Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.

2

: the last thing or person mentioned

Of chicken, fish, and meat, I like the latter best.

3

: the thing or person that has just been mentioned

The President—or, if the latter is too busy, the Vice President—will see you shortly.

Examples of the latter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program will take place next week in Geneva, Switzerland, according to multiple reports. —Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 15 Feb. 2026

For the latter, a 2023 meta-analysis found that even a slight bump in the average monthly temperature can lead to increases in suicide and suicidal behavior. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026

Jimmy Fallon has reportedly nixed a line of pasta sauces he was set to release with music mogul Tommy Mottola due to the latter’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2026

In the latter city, the Le Marais boutique will see Lélu join Autry’s customers on Saturday for a meet and greet, handwriting personalized postcards. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for the latter

• backscatter
• antimatter
• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• flatter
• hatter
• matter