thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟her-ˈaf-tər 

1

: after that

2

archaic : according to that : accordingly

Synonyms

• later
• afterwards
• 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

Shortly thereafter, Brett surfaced at work, very much alive. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025

Whether all these physical and economic attacks will lend momentum toward a ceasefire remains to be seen: Trump is expected to meet with Putin next week, and could have a follow-up meeting shortly thereafter with both leaders together, The New York Times reported. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The freshwater jellyfish was discovered in the Huron River near Ann Arbor in 1933, and in Lake Erie shortly thereafter. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Shortly thereafter, leading photovoltaic firms called for a 30% cut in solar production to address excess capacity and curb price wars. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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