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

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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

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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
But Houston used an 8-2 spurt with 3s from Durant and Fred VanVleet to push it to 111-88 about a minute later. — CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors on Thursday said two additional handguns were later found at Romero’s home. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The three final spots, all tournament exemptions, are set to be announced at a later date. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Dulu cafe and lounge serves farm-to-table brunch and dinner in the hotel’s lobby, and also acts as a lounge and bar in the later night. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 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 Hader trade brought Game 3 starter Robert Gasser and journeyman outfielder Estuery Ruiz, and within a subsequent three-team trade, the Brewers swiped All-Star catcher William Contreras for Ruiz.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Chronic vocal cord issues, and a subsequent surgery, forced him to cancel a long stretch of shows, including a European tour.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of subsequent
Adverb
  • Not long after, the school system, which educates more than 150,000 students, changed its admissions practices to eliminate an extra in-person exam.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Another important step that was done here is showing that the syndrome data from one round only correlates with the data from the one immediately before and immediately after.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • Shortly thereafter Russell O’Brien (Tanner’s husband) and Rachael Oldfield (Matthew’s wife) see a man near the McCanns’ apartment.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • American Airlines flight 339 departed shortly thereafter and reached Georgetown, an airline spokesperson told the Herald.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 23 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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