thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟her-ˈaf-tər 

1

: after that

2

archaic : according to that : accordingly

Synonyms of thereafter

• later
• afterward
• after

Examples of thereafter in a Sentence

Thereafter, the two companies operated in full partnership.

gave his farewell speech and left the room shortly thereafter

Recent Examples on the Web

First responders arrived soon thereafter and took Noel Sepulveda to the hospital. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026

Police said Guzman forced the guardian to walk ahead of the cart while the little boy remained inside, directing the guardian through the store and into the parking lot, where officers arrived shortly thereafter. —Jack Moore, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

Samuels, who has held the position since July 2024, will continue to serve out her role until the end of the school year in June, but will not be returning thereafter. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Shortly thereafter, Igra was hospitalized with scarlet fever. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thereafter

• hereinafter
• thereinafter
• after
• drafter
• laughter
• rafter
• hereafter

Kids Definition

thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟ha-ˈraf-tər 

t͟he-

: after that

it was returned shortly thereafter