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

Thruline brought the manuscript of Alone at Dawn, by authors Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz, the latter who is Chapman’s sister, to Hideaway. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

Alexis Díaz is in the latter category. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

The former said Texas is in store for a cold and wet winter, while the latter stated that conditions will be mild and dry. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025

Consumers could more easily claim a $7,500 tax credit when leasing a new EV than buying one, the latter of which came with more restrictions. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for the latter

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