afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: an idea occurring later
made the suggestion as an afterthought
2
: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary
a seating area added as an afterthought to the office

Examples of afterthought in a Sentence

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat. The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought. The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As to whether sustainability becomes a core principle rather than an afterthought, that remains to be seen. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Salmon’s observation that greenery is the quickest low-budget lift reflects a wider pattern — designers are increasingly treating plants as part of the furniture plan rather than an afterthought. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Social care was an ‘afterthought’ All four UK governments initially focused on protecting hospitals. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 21 Oct. 2026 Well-liked and dependable, Nate often feels like an afterthought at home having grown up in the shadow of his younger sister Alice. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterthought

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterthought was in 1590

Rhymes for afterthought

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Browse Nearby Words

after the hour
afterthought
aftertime
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Cite this Entry

“Afterthought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterthought. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afterthought

noun
af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: a later thought about something one has done or said
2
: something not thought of originally
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