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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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
For now, Smalls’ motion to dismiss Burrowes’ latest filing is awaiting a judicial ruling. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Carter tells Rolling Stone the band approached him about joining the upcoming lineup in late September and have spent the time since working through booking and logistics. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
This interview has been edited and condensed from a two-hour conversation late last month. Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025 For example, staying up late to complete a task may allow it to be finished before bed, but the next day will be less productive. Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for late
Recent Examples of Synonyms for late
Adjective
  • The delayed sentencing hearing is set for April 15 in the circuit court.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • How to Protect Your Luggage From Bed Bugs From delayed flights to lost luggage, travel is already anxiety-inducing enough without adding these pervasive pests to the mix.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Parente, a former federal prosecutor, has often described the incident leading up to the shooting as nothing more than a minor car accident.
    Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • He was appointed interim commissioner in August following the retirement of former Commissioner Alan McClain.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The fallen deputy was born and raised in Miami-Dade, having been born in Baptist Hospital and attended Miami Killian Senior High School.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Chapter veterans from branches of the military will honor 300 fallen service members from Southern California who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with special memorial markers.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But Washington has been watching closely as both countries continue to develop and test advanced weapons capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Even his portrayal of a man with advanced dementia, in The Father (2020), which won the Academy Award for Best Actor, emitted a disconcerting power.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Just over a minute later, Kuzma tried to toss Antetokounmpo another alley-oop, but the Bulls defended it well and took away the rim.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International (MGI), was seen scolding Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old contestant from Mexico, ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition being held in Bangkok later this month.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • She’s been obsessed with slavery lately.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Bills have owned the Dolphins lately (if not quite the NFL, or now, even the AFC East).
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • China, meanwhile, is living with the long shadow of its one-child policy, which was eased to a two-child rule in 2016 and then to a three-child policy in 2021 in a belated push to boost births.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Joy speaks at length about growing up in a culturally sophisticated yet oppressive family and holding her artistic temperament in check, before achieving a belated liberation.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Chinese retailer, known for its range of cheap ultra-fast-fashion clothing and criticisms of its labor and environmental practices, is nestled on the sixth floor of a more than century-old building in Paris, a city famous for high-end fashion and a recent green push.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In contexts not concerning the elite private colleges of New England and their decades-old conflicts and syllabi and on-campus squabbles, this mode of prestige media procedure matters absolutely and enormously, at scales difficult to tabulate.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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