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.
Car insurance is a major ownership expense that shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. — Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Moreover, the New Right’s overriding focus has remained on domestic policy, with foreign policy often an afterthought. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 When a team is crumbling, a rare sturdy presence becomes much more than an afterthought. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Those who approach privacy as a strategic basis rather than an afterthought are the greatest enterprises and communities that capitalize on AI’s transformational promise while maintaining the digital trust that underpins modern life. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for afterthought

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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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