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 game got away from Georgia Tech (11-11, 2-7) in the latter stages of the first half. —Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026

The former would brighten up my all-black outfits, while the latter would pop against my favorite white T-shirt and tie in my leopard-print flats. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

His rising profile has also been reflected on the awards circuit, with nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for best new artist and best alternative (winning in the latter category), alongside a growing slate of high-profile live performances. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026

Solis said the leaves are generally utilized in cooking, clothing and animal feed, the latter particularly for goats. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for the latter

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