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
Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma City blew a late lead in Game 1 of the Finals—allowing Indiana to steal a win on OKC’s home floor—making its championship quest that much more difficult. Sean Gregory, Time, 23 June 2025 The heat dome over the eastern U.S. originated in the Plains and Midwest, where temperatures in the 90s and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit have persisted since late last week, according to forecasters at AccuWeather. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adverb
For example, an AI agent launched late last year can write follow-up messages, conduct screening chats, suggest top applicants, and search for potential hires using natural language on the platform. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 To me, Kelli flip-flopping on Brit this late in the game has a whiff of convenience, as if Kelli knew aligning herself with Brit amidst the Kenya controversy wasn’t a good look. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 23 June 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 2006 movie was adapted from former Vogue assistant Lauren Weisberger's book of the same name.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Unsurprisingly, there is a parallel between our contemporary ambivalence toward advanced, labor-saving technology and Rowling’s attitude toward magic in Harry Potter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • Fox News Digital also spoke with Ken Grey, an advanced practitioner (AP) and doctor of Oriental medicine (DOM).
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Adverb
  • There was also a dull 1-1 draw with Scotland in their final Nations League game a few days later.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Hamilton returned the favor in Barcelona a month later.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 27 June 2025
Adverb
  • 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
  • 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
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 departing older president, the incoming younger Kennedy.
    Dr. Richard Fichman, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Topline Authorities reportedly identified the man suspected of killing two firefighters and injuring another in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—after he was found dead next to the sniper rifle believed to be used to ambush firefighters responding to a wildfire.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Last year, a 19-year-old female employee at a Walmart in Canada was found dead inside a walk-in oven at the store's bakery department.
    Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 30 June 2025
Adverb
  • Miami-Dade has been planning stations in Wynwood, Little Haiti, North Miami and other neighborhoods along the route, which would eventually stretch north to Palm Beach County.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • The friend was eventually evicted from the house, according to the court documents.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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