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 former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity.
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JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
Jones and Sanders have a history together — the latter played for Jones’ Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, earning four All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl selections, and winning one Super Bowl.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Score it in black or brown, the latter of which ophthalmologists and makeup artists suggest for more mature eyes.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Like a generation of children (and adults) in the latter half of the 20th century, Slater also experienced Rainbow Springs, the resort hotel developed by Francis Schroedel that never opened after it was built in the 1960s.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
Jones and Sanders have a history together — the latter played for Jones’ Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, earning four All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl selections, and winning one Super Bowl.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Score it in black or brown, the latter of which ophthalmologists and makeup artists suggest for more mature eyes.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Like a generation of children (and adults) in the latter half of the 20th century, Slater also experienced Rainbow Springs, the resort hotel developed by Francis Schroedel that never opened after it was built in the 1960s.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
Cite this Entry
“The latter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20latter. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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