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 credit-granting banks earned $105 billion in interest and $25 billion in late and other fees, the latter being somewhat limited by recent federal legislation. —George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026

Kettles and Lavazza coffee machines are provided and the free pods and teabags (the latter from a local supplier, the excellent La Via del Tè) are replaced regularly. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

Atkins also was diminished during the latter part of the season by a calf strain, which sidelined her for several weeks. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

With one game left on the schedule before the playoffs — a game the Knicks could punt in the name of longevity for a deep postseason run — head coach Mike Brown, and his players, feel confident and comfortable with the direction the ship has sailed in the latter stretch of the season. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for the latter

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