as in later
after the due, usual, or proper time
she belatedly realized that it had been her friend's birthday the day before
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Recent Examples of belatedly
The eco-friendly aesthetic was an appealing brand story at first, but the company belatedly realized that analysts were right in saying that Allbirds’ marketing was too focused on sustainability virtues and not enough on the appeal of its shoes.
—
Phil Wahba, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Such misadventures are one reason why Washington initiated its effort to rebalance toward Asia belatedly.
—Ali Wyne, Time, 23 Mar. 2026
After Daniil Medvedev’s comprehensive and belatedly controversial win over Jack Draper in their quarterfinal, Carlos Alcaraz came out to face Cameron Norrie, one of the few players outside of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic who has troubled him the past few years.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The Healey administration and the Legislature have belatedly taken notice of this alarming trend.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
Imagine meeting the love of your life, entering a relationship with them, and then belatedly realizing your literal body rejects the union.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
After Carter scored on the Magic's second offensive rebound of their final possession, Luka Doncic belatedly got the ball to James, whose desperation shot didn't go.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
News outlets are belatedly reporting that the Islamic Republic has used the cover of a sustained media blackout to carry out the most extensive repression in its history.
—Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The audit was ordered last year after the Blue Hills Civic Association belatedly reported that $300,000 in state money disappeared in 2024 through a fraudulent bank transfer.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Phil Wahba, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Such misadventures are one reason why Washington initiated its effort to rebalance toward Asia belatedly.
—Ali Wyne, Time, 23 Mar. 2026
After Daniil Medvedev’s comprehensive and belatedly controversial win over Jack Draper in their quarterfinal, Carlos Alcaraz came out to face Cameron Norrie, one of the few players outside of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic who has troubled him the past few years.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The Healey administration and the Legislature have belatedly taken notice of this alarming trend.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
Imagine meeting the love of your life, entering a relationship with them, and then belatedly realizing your literal body rejects the union.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
After Carter scored on the Magic's second offensive rebound of their final possession, Luka Doncic belatedly got the ball to James, whose desperation shot didn't go.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
News outlets are belatedly reporting that the Islamic Republic has used the cover of a sustained media blackout to carry out the most extensive repression in its history.
—Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The audit was ordered last year after the Blue Hills Civic Association belatedly reported that $300,000 in state money disappeared in 2024 through a fraudulent bank transfer.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belatedly
Adverb
-
The Senate's action would then send the bill back to the House, which is also holding a pro-forma session later in the morning.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Crew has an amazing sight in store Four days later during the lunar flyby, the moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Sources involved in sales-pitch discussions told The Athletic that Panini pulled back attempts to sell the company late last year with the hopes that sales involving 2026 World Cup products would improve the company’s valuation.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Gamba family spent hours clearing debris from their property, working late into the night with chainsaws and hand tools.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
But his career ended prematurely when persistent groin problems eventually resulted in the diagnosis of a degenerative right side.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Also in the mix are the Governor’s many female admirers who show up to watch the trial, and a gaggle of fellow-reporters, one of whom eventually becomes Lemann’s lover.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
After starting the season very slowly, Alvarez hit a superb hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in September.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The key is to start slowly — using it just two to three nights per week — to avoid irritation while your skin adjusts.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belatedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belatedly. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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