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

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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 teacher afterward said I’d had a big heart chakra opening. — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The exhibition draws largely from the museum’s collection of photographs, film, period newspapers, letters and personal accounts to reconstruct the storm and what happened to Miami afterward. — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Stick around afterward too, as Matt and Josh dive into the Lamar Jackson ankle injury saga and other news and notes from Wednesday’s Ravens practice. — Josh Tolentino, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026 But if El-Sayed and other progressives were to fall short, that could make Democrats more timid about being ambitious in the 2028 campaign and afterward. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afterward

Adverb

This early risk awareness later defined his policy position, as Knot gained a reputation during his tenure as Dutch central bank governor for aggressively combating inflation, enforcing fiscal discipline, and safeguarding financial stability.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
About a minute later, Guardado began breathing heavily, followed by some sputtering and twitching.

— KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of later

Adverb

Soon after, a man with a microphone relayed the entire early results to the crowd, which loudly cheered in response.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
And the voter composition for mail-in votes, early-in-person votes, and Election Day votes can look different, meaning numbers can appear to shift suddenly throughout the night and days after, as ballots are processed and counted.

— Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as the Dutch economy faced severe strain, his economics teacher told the class that banks would never fail, only for a major bank to collapse shortly thereafter.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Kristin gives up immediately, Cristain taps out shortly thereafter, and Sharonda loses out on the last spot to Kilby as the two try to choke down their dinner in a head-to-head battle.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of afterward

adverb

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