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 The linebacker went straight into the squat rack afterward, and his hips and legs moved more easily. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 31 July 2026 In general, business grownups will say one thing before a merger happens and their behavior can be very different afterwards. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 Shortly afterward, Ars checked and found that the feature was inaccessible to Google Earth users. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 Shortly afterward, Kelly-Tuason saw several officers rushing into a building on the center’s campus with their guns drawn. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afterward

Adverb

Four pitches later, Tim Tawa launched a 414-foot blast to left-center for his sixth homer.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Detectives later learned the same man had also been involved in a similar incident earlier that day at Sun & Shade in Folsom, where an employee reported the behavior.

— Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of later

Adverb

Sometime after, the vehicle slammed into multiple barriers, a tree, a stop sign and light pole before overturning into the parking lot of a Tesla dealership, 20850 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens police said.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Soon after, more people gathered, standing behind the sad but necessary fence enclosing the resilient tree, out of respect, curiosity or simple gawking.

— David Dickstein, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

Shortly thereafter, Kelce caught a short pass from Mahomes, something fans hope to see more of when the season starts in September.

— Pete Grathoff July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
The two connected shortly thereafter on a play-action pass for a first down.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 31 July 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of afterward

adverb

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