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
If the Mets choose the latter, former first round pick Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics could be an option.
—
Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
About 63% of respondents prefer a relaxing vacation over seeking adventure, the latter desire shared by 37%.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
Rhoden and her colleagues applied models based on Europa's heat shell thickness to Mimas in an effort to determine the thickness of the latter's ice shell and how heat flows across its surface.
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Joy Huerta of the popular Mexican pop duo Jesse and Joy co-wrote the songs for the latter show with Benjamin Velez.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
About 63% of respondents prefer a relaxing vacation over seeking adventure, the latter desire shared by 37%.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
Rhoden and her colleagues applied models based on Europa's heat shell thickness to Mimas in an effort to determine the thickness of the latter's ice shell and how heat flows across its surface.
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Joy Huerta of the popular Mexican pop duo Jesse and Joy co-wrote the songs for the latter show with Benjamin Velez.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
Cite this Entry
“The latter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20latter. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share