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

As the market shakes out, Yiu is placing his bets on the latter. —Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

Back in London, Julia and Henry bonded over letters exchanged while the latter was on the battlefield and the former was working at the censorship office. —Deadline, 21 Nov. 2025

But after Glinda witnesses Elphaba’s apparent death by bucket of water, the latter emerges within Fiyero’s castle to greet her lover — who’s been turned into straw thanks to her earlier protective spell. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Cornerback Jaylen Watson is among the latter. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for the latter

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