after 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of afternext
as in following
subsequent to in time or order the brass band came right after the mayor in the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

after

2 of 3

adverb

ˈaf-tər How to pronounce after (audio)
as in later
following in time or place upon seeing The Nutcracker for the first time, and for a long time after, Irma wanted to play the part of the Mouse King

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

after

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in back
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part had heard that the after section of the cruise ship had more spacious cabins

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in subsequent
being, occurring, or carried out at a time after something else in after years the government set up a special fund for disabled veterans of the war

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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 after
Preposition
Kevin McCarthy captured a spectacular view as the eclipsed moon shone blood red in the skies over North Carolina, after a brief weather scare! — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The Syrian civil war that began during that period eventually saw the demise of the Assad regime – Hafez’s son Bashar had continued his father’s hard-line legacy after coming to power in 2000. — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Soon after, a pair of men wearing medical masks arrived outside Zeraati’s home in Wimbledon. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 The five-time Masters champ, 50, stepped away from the spotlight soon after and sought rehab treatment overseas. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Another mass shooting at an after hours, unlicensed club. — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for after
Recent Examples of Synonyms for after
  1. following
  2. later
  3. back
  4. subsequent
  5. behind
  6. afterward
  7. rear
  8. past
Preposition
  • Trump’s request will likely now no longer be considered relevant following Monday’s order.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Campbell appeared emotional following Wednesday’s hearing.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Definition of following
Adverb
  • The film from writer-director Elle Sofe Sara will get a theatrical release in early 2027 before launching on digital platforms later next year.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • With Yeager ineligible for election to retain his seat and Saunders stepping down to retire at the end of this term later this year, neither will be on the council long-term going forward.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of later
Adjective
  • His Samoyed hops up and finds a spot between the athlete’s legs and the sofa’s back pillows.
    — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Woods, at age 48 and trying to recover from multiple back surgeries and a 2023 car crash that shattered his right leg and ankle, finished in last place and made $44,000.
    — Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of back
Adjective
  • In September 2025, the agency announced a similar holiday plan for the subsequent holiday season.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Parton had a large hand in paving the way for any subsequent entertainer who tried to navigate the push and pull between pop commerciality and musical tradition, inside and outside of country, from Garth Brooks to Shania Twain to Miley Cyrus.
    — Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of subsequent
Preposition
  • As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The court had also been used for basketball, with the hoops still up behind the baseline.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of behind
Adverb
  • Tagovailoa on return, boos Falcons and former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was greeted with boos during Friday’s preseason game, lingered on the field afterward to embrace several former teammates and Dolphins staffers.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • However, cooler heads prevailed, with respectful interactions afterward, and Khabib Nurmagomedov even assisting Song.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of afterward
Adjective
  • Early pothole testing actually caused a slight structural bend in a rear swingarm.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Out back, a single monoshock is mounted to the massive single-sided swingarm that carries the solo rear wheel shod in a wiiiide 305/30R20 Kenda meat.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rear
Preposition
  • Hudson and others are represented by attorney Ryan Downton, who has successfully litigated eligibility cases on behalf of former Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia and others and extended their careers past when the NCAA said their time was up.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Sustained gunfire began past midnight at the premises of the Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts a major military base, according to an AP witness who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of past

Phrases Containing after

Browse Nearby Words

aft
after
after a fashion
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Cite this Entry

“After.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/after. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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