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

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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
West, an entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service who annually spends late-summer weeks evaluating the health of forests around the state from the air and on the ground, believes leaf peepers may be disappointed this year — at least in comparison to the past two. John Meyer, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 The multi-talented pop icon is officially embarking on her eighth concert tour in support of her latest studio album, Mayhem. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Honda puts a techy new spin on a revered nameplate with the 2026 Prelude sport coupe, a sleek 200-horsepower hybrid going on sale late this year. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Wayne Clark and his companion did not reach camp until late that second night. Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for late
Recent Examples of Synonyms for late
Adjective
  • Factors such as the co-owner Cary Heizenrader's death contritubed to the delayed opening.
    Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The atypical symptoms can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
    Health, Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The expiring boost, implemented in Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act under former President Joe Biden, applies to 22 million of the 24 million low- and middle-income Americans with plans through the ACA marketplace.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Frantzve was also a former beauty queen, having been crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Wolf spiders prefer dark hiding places like piles of leaves or fallen logs.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Whether a storm, fallen tree, or power grid problem is to blame, having to toss food as a result is a pain for some and a significant financial burden for others.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While far from a cure, the study points to a new path that combines advanced manufacturing, stem cell science, and regenerative medicine.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • It’ll be added to the Rebel model later in the model year.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy exited with a shoulder injury after colliding with tight end Travis Kelce on Kansas City’s first possession and was later ruled out.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In the early part of his campaign, Simpson performed his climbs by himself, but lately his father has joined him in the adventure.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Tough to know what to make of the Detroit Tigers lately.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Scrambling to recall a few staff and issue some belated funding is just window dressing.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The misguided focus on containment is a belated echo of the nuclear age, when the United States and others limited the spread of atomic bombs by restricting access to enriched uranium, by keeping an eye on what certain scientists were doing and by sending inspectors into labs and military bases.
    Zeynep Tufekci, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid the album's release, Justin shared several clips and photos on Instagram of billboards and projections in various locations around the world featuring a photo with his 1-year-old son Jack Blues, and himself and his wife, 28, with the little one.
    Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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