plural aftermaths
: the period of time after a bad and usually destructive event
—usually singular
In the aftermath of the fire, many people were in need of shelter.
The country is rebuilding its economy in the aftermath of the war.
The children struggled through their parents' divorce and its aftermath.
Cite this Entry
“Aftermath.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/aftermath. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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