1
as in delayed
not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time
I ran as fast as I could, but was still late for class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in fallen
no longer living
our late granduncle remembered us in his will
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in advanced
being far along in development
late impressionism gave rise to pointillism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in later
after the due, usual, or proper time
she has a habit of arriving late for everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lately
not long ago
the actress, late of New York but now of Los Angeles, is being eagerly sought for film roles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
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
-
Recently, James was seen training with former champion Charlotte Flair, further fueling speculation that her return is imminent.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
On the banks of the Patuxent River in rural Maryland, a former summer haven for Black residents is pushing to preserve its history and revitalize the town.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
20 June 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
-
The second single serves as a glimpse into Wonho’s first full-length album, slated for release later this year.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
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
-
While older South Koreans remain most at risk, suicide is now the leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 39.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
-
The departing older president, the incoming younger Kennedy.—
Dr. Richard Fichman,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sheriff’s Deputy Marcos Pena Jr., 31, was pronounced dead at the crash site, according to the Sheriff’s Department, after being struck by a vehicle around 2:20 a.m.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
-
The husband of Food Network star Anne Burrell reportedly first found his wife collapsed on the shower floor before she was pronounced dead Tuesday morning.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Adverb
-
The cravat eventually became a fashionable accessory among the French elite and was often crafted from luxurious fabrics such as lace or silk.—
Kristopher Fraser,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
-
But the blood tests eventually come back negative, meaning Nuria (Maria Romanillos) and other athletes who took the drug are allowed to participate.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share