afterlife

noun

af·​ter·​life ˈaf-tər-ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
Synonyms of afterlifenext
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life
3
: a period of continued or renewed use, existence, or popularity beyond what is normal, primary, or expected
a TV show with a long afterlife in syndication

Synonyms of afterlife

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Examples of afterlife in a Sentence

Does he believe in an afterlife? written in afterlife, his memoirs reveal a kinder, more forgiving man
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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.
In the middle of it all stands a gleaming bronze likeness of Johnny Ramone, frozen forever mid-riff, evoking the landmark’s strange yet splendorous afterlife environment. — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026 Shaye plays Elise Rainer, a dimension-traveling psychic who helps people fight off demons, even from the afterlife. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Join the dearly beloved under the stars for a reception worthy of the afterlife, with spirited DJ sets, drinks to wake the dead, and a free photobooth for your drop-dead gorgeous wedding portrait. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 The spiritual, like Hood, believe this is the last opportunity for someone’s soul to be saved before crossing over into the afterlife. — Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterlife

Word History

Etymology

after- + life entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterlife was in 1589

Rhymes for afterlife

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Browse Nearby Words

afterings
afterlife
afterlifetime
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Cite this Entry

“Afterlife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterlife. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afterlife

noun
af·​ter·​life -ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life

More from Merriam-Webster on afterlife

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about afterlife

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