after 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of afternext
as in following
subsequent to in time or order the brass band came right after the mayor in the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

after

2 of 3

adverb

ˈaf-tər How to pronounce after (audio)
as in later
following in time or place upon seeing The Nutcracker for the first time, and for a long time after, Irma wanted to play the part of the Mouse King

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

after

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in back
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part had heard that the after section of the cruise ship had more spacious cabins

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in subsequent
being, occurring, or carried out at a time after something else in after years the government set up a special fund for disabled veterans of the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of after
Preposition
As has been discussed in the comments, Tyra did not return as a judge after that argument with Law earlier in the season. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 Find a way to limit run-after-catch opportunities for Green Bay’s wideouts, avoid turnovers offensively and Minnesota should be able to ride a raucous crowd to a Week 1 victory. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Adverb
The longtime restaurant owner gave the woman a free slice and after, put up a sign in the window of D'Romano's Pizza. — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Soon after, Citrus Heights Police asked for the public’s help in finding the two perpetrators, releasing descriptions and surveillance photos from the burglary on social media. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Another mass shooting at an after hours, unlicensed club. — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for after
Recent Examples of Synonyms for after
  1. following
  2. later
  3. back
  4. subsequent
  5. behind
  6. afterward
  7. rear
  8. past
Preposition
  • Trump’s request will likely now no longer be considered relevant following Monday’s order.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Campbell appeared emotional following Wednesday’s hearing.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Definition of following
Adverb
  • Three months later, Ariana is back in her confessional chair with an update.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Some fifteen years later, her determination to study Schubert lieder with expert teachers was in large part what impelled her to go to Europe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of later
Adjective
  • Occasionally, something curious happens — Semi Ajayi, who plays on the right of their back three, setting off on a wild overlap just before half-time, for instance.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Security was locked down in the date-palm groves, and traffic was diverted to the back roads; a mobile laboratory was set up in the desert to make sure that the food was safe for such esteemed guests to eat.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adjective
  • Police and lifeguard efforts The teen’s accident in July was one of three incidents and subsequent rescues over a 15-day period, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In a subsequent interview with Russian media, Vishegirskaya said that the hospital had only been shelled, not bombed, and that she had been filmed without her consent.
    — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of subsequent
Preposition
  • Bowyer acknowledged that Turning Point Action's growing infrastructure in early primary states could cause some agitation on the right if it is seen as throwing its weight behind one presidential candidate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The inspiration behind Keoghan’s signature eyebrow arch was fully revealed when Majors’ wife, Faith, approached Keoghan at the Kentucky Derby.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of behind
Adverb
  • Cristobal afterward was typically critical, and seeing what needs fixing even in a 39-point win.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks to journalists afterward as constructive, frank and useful, but didn’t talk about specific outcomes.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of afterward
Adjective
  • Both the front and rear right tires are absolutely screaming through this 50- to 60-mph corner.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Farrell, the first officer to arrive at the scene, found Pysher on the home's rear patio, several feet from the back door, according to prosecutors.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of rear
Preposition
  • Outside, addicts wander peg-legged in the pulverizing triple-digit late summer heat, past attorneys in cream sport coats and copper-red ties.
    — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The 2-yard touchdown strike, which saw Toney dance past his receiver after Mensah caught a high snap, capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of past

Phrases Containing after

Browse Nearby Words

aft
after
after a fashion
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Cite this Entry

“After.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/after. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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