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

During his tenure with the Rams, Goff earned Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018, with the latter season culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Here’s how Mann recommends tackling the latter question. —Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

Nate and Cassie have shockingly domestic images, with the latter seen resembling her mother and holding a melting ice cream cone as Nate shapes hamburger patties in a brightly colored kitchen. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025

The Almanac recommends traveling earlier in the week, as the latter half of the week is likely to have wet roads, which can make travel hazardous. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for the latter

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