later

1 of 2

adverb

lat·​er ˈlā-tər How to pronounce later (audio)
Synonyms of laternext
: at some time subsequent to a given time : subsequently, afterward
one week later
they later regretted the decision
—often used with on
experience that will be useful later on

-later

2 of 2

noun combining form

: worshipper
bibliolater

Synonyms of later

Relevance

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of later in a Sentence

Adverb I'll talk to you again later. They later regretted the decision. She returned several weeks later. I saw him again later that morning.
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.
Adverb
Leave them by the front door for easy grab-and-go styling—you’ll thank me later. — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 Saulter was placed on leave last year around the time that King was indicted, and the sheriff later fired him. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 The couple remained on the ground in the extreme heat until neighbors saw them three hours later. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The larger Lilac fire, which started about three miles to the south, was reported about 20 minutes later. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for later

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

see late entry 1

Noun combining form

French -latre, from Late Latin -latres, from Greek -latrēs; akin to Greek latron pay

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of later was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing later

Rhymes for later

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Browse Nearby Words

late of
later
-later
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Later.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/later. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on later

Nglish: Translation of later for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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