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 Employee was observed continuing to cook immediately afterward, without changing gloves. — Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Sulfur dioxide levels rose during eruptions and dropped afterward, but remained high throughout the entire period. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 Wilson was neither ejected from the game nor subject to further discipline afterward. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The restaurant was set ablaze the night after Brooks' death, and protesters camped at the site for weeks afterward. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afterward

Adverb

But anyone who’s yet to see the earlier series need not fret; while Seven Havens makes reference especially to Korra, any crucial details are reestablished within a narrative that’s set nearly two centuries later and stands largely on its own.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
As Melinda points out later, Flora is a pawn of Carla’s and Morgan’s in every respect.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of later

Adverb

Those cities also saw declines in sales after, but Beverly Hills and West Hollywood saw a smaller impact than Santa Monica did, with a 10% to 15% decline compared with prepandemic levels by the end of 2025.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Ellison’s Skydance bought out Paramount for $8 billion just last year, and set its sights on Warner — an even bigger fish — very soon after.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

But high winds, rain and storm surge can cause all sorts of damage many hours before landfall, and last many hours thereafter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Banyan Elementary was not on the recent list of schools being monitored for possible closure, which was released by the district in August but shortly thereafter put on pause by new Superintendent Rafael Villalobos.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of thereafter

Browse Nearby Words

aftertastes

afterward

afterword

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Style

“Afterward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afterward. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of afterward

adverb

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