late 1 of 2

1
2
as in former
having been such at some previous time the late musical director said he would never have allowed such behavior while he was in charge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

late

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective late contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of late are dead, deceased, defunct, and departed. While all these words mean "devoid of life," late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status.

the company's late president

In what contexts can dead take the place of late?

In some situations, the words dead and late are roughly equivalent. However, dead applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (such as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life.

a dead, listless performance

How is deceased related to other words for late?

Deceased, departed, and late apply to persons who have died recently. Deceased is the preferred term in legal use.

the estate of the deceased

When is defunct a more appropriate choice than late?

The synonyms defunct and late are sometimes interchangeable, but defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

When could departed be used to replace late?

Although the words departed and late have much in common, departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

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 late
Adjective
Many among Australia’s 117,000-strong Jewish population are anxious after spate of antisemitic attacks in the country’s two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, since late last year – including arson attacks on synagogues, and swastikas scrawled on buildings and cars. Angus Watson, CNN Money, 5 July 2025 So Garrett leaned into the execution of his sinker early and splitter late to work around a single in the eighth and to retire the side in order in the ninth, keeping Judge in the on-deck circle for the final out. Tim Britton, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Adverb
Despite the buzz surrounding the potential hire, Mosley wouldn’t reveal his cards late last week. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025 The Senate approved the stablecoin bill late last month, establishing a regulatory framework for these digital currencies that are pegged to the U.S. dollar or other fiat currencies. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for late
Recent Examples of Synonyms for late
Adjective
  • However, a lawsuit against the university by three former women's swimmers over their experience in sharing a team with Thomas is still active.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • The proceedings included graphic and emotional testimony, including from singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend who spent more than a decade with him.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Seeking a spot for advanced waves farther north, near the Papagayo Peninsula?
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 8 July 2025
  • My Gen 3 ring is even cheaper, though its sensor capabilities and battery life aren’t quite as advanced or long-lasting as the Gen 4’s.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 8 July 2025
Adverb
  • Measles symptoms Initial measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash that begins to develop a few days later.
    Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
  • Tagovailoa sustained another concussion later in the 2022 season in a Christmas game against Green Bay, forcing him to miss the finale and the team’s wild-card playoff game.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
Adverb
  • The Sox likely will deal starter Adrian Houser before the trade deadline, in case Hoyer hasn’t heard lately from his Winnetka Starbucks buddy, Sox general manager Chris Getz.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • An electric motorcycle bearing a Honda badge is bound to attract serious attention – and lately, the rumor mill has been buzzing.
    Utkarsh Sood June 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Scrambling to recall a few staff and issue some belated funding is just window dressing.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Please accept our belated apology.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The older elephants surround it, allowing the youngster to relax and play in the water while being protected from crocodiles lurking nearby.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • In one scene, Agnes is wearing a pair of chunky combat boots, and old, worn pages of her thesis are taped to her window.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The suspect in the attack was found dead late on Sunday, according to law enforcement.
    Kirk Siegler, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The cause of death has been revealed for a social media influencer who was found dead near an Arizona trailhead after being reported missing.
    Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Adverb
  • The friend was eventually evicted from the house, according to the court documents.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Swaggart eventually was defrocked and became an independent and non-denominational Pentecostal minister.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on late

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!