later 1 of 2

adverb

ˈlā-tər How to pronounce later (audio)
Definition of laternext
as in afterward
following in time or place we're going to go to the mall later on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

later

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlā-tər How to pronounce later (audio)
as in subsequent
being, occurring, or carried out at a time after something else the details of the plan will be filled in at a later date

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 later
Adverb
Moments later, the Grammy-winning artist emerged through a haze of smoke, with moody lighting setting the scene. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 The office of the president and the Transportation Ministry later revised that number downward to 69 dead. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
According to the family’s later account, the Warrens conducted a séance in the house, during which the mother became severely distressed. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2026 Casting for their husbands will be announced at a later date. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for later
Recent Examples of Synonyms for later
  1. afterward
  2. subsequent
  3. after
  4. thereafter
Adverb
  • OutKick did not get an opportunity to ask why those preparations needed to happen during the anthem rather than before or afterward.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • What is to come afterwards is when their world is on fire as the fierce Battle Of Okinawa Island takes them , and us, back to sad reality.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of afterward
Adjective
  • The Supreme Court decision scaling back the VRA — and subsequent redistricting efforts in Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee — threatens to reduce Black representation in Congress.
    — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Back then, businesses issued statements in favor of a peaceful transfer of power around the 2020 election and subsequent attack on the US Capitol.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of subsequent
Adverb
  • Soon after, museum supporters published another open letter opposing the closure, which has now gathered nearly 4,000 signatures.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Soon after, Eisenkot's son was killed as a soldier in the Gaza war.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • Davion Mitchell then helped restore order with a score, a steal and an assist, with the Heat shortly thereafter going up 11.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In 2030, when the project is expected to be completed, Hobart will receive approximately $52 million and that same amount for the next 35 years thereafter.
    — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thereafter

Phrases Containing later

Browse Nearby Words

latent
later
lateral
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Cite this Entry

“Later.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/later. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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