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

Pettett is among a growing number of older adults embracing tattoos later in life.

— Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Three minutes later, Son put away a volley after Carles Gil stopped a ball at the end line and whipped a cross into the center of the box.

— Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Definition of later

Adverb

Also let go were correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega — and soon after, Scott Pelley, after a tense confrontation with his bosses over the changes.

— Jocelyn Noveck, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Prosecutors expect to receive initial details of the police investigation Wednesday and make a formal charging decision soon after.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 28 July 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

Los Angeles fire officials arrived shortly thereafter and saw the man atop one of the bridge’s arches, said Lindsey Lantz, public service officer with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Water levels may remain elevated through the next high tide cycle along the Louisiana and Texas coastline but should subside thereafter.

— MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 23 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of afterward

adverb

Example Sentences

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