AFTERWARDS Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

afterward

adverb

ˈaf-tər-wərd

variants or afterwards

Definition of afterward

as in later

following in time or place we'll go to the play, then have supper afterward

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 afterward Shortly afterward, Corbin Biggins gave the Bobcats their first lead of the night with the extra point, putting Benbrook ahead 21-20. — Riley Ledesma, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Once admitted, the person becomes a green card holder; the physical card is generally mailed afterward. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Huntersville police said afterward investigators believed the gunfire was targeted rather than random. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 Not long afterward, Schaefer entered the hotel room and beat von Wiese-Mack to death with the metal handle of a fruit bowl, according to prosecutors. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afterward

Adverb

The film from writer-director Elle Sofe Sara will get a theatrical release in early 2027 before launching on digital platforms later next year.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
With Yeager ineligible for election to retain his seat and Saunders stepping down to retire at the end of this term later this year, neither will be on the council long-term going forward.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of later

Adverb

Soon after, Bier accused the Commission of violating the platform’s ad rules and said in a post on X that its ad account had been terminated.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Police describe what seems to be a phone tree the church members use to call on the congregation to pray and go to the family’s home — sometimes before the death, sometimes after.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

Promising second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL on the first day of training camp and was shortly thereafter pronounced out for the season.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
The movement thereafter played a prominent role in protests across the United States and in other countries, particularly in the wake of the murders of Eric Garner in 2014 and George Floyd in 2020.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of thereafter

Browse Nearby Words

aftertastes

afterward

afterword

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“Afterward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afterward. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of afterward

adverb

Example Sentences

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