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Synonyms

afterwards

British  
/ ˈɑːftəwədz /

adverb

  1. after an earlier event or time; subsequently

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of afterwards

Old English æfterweard, æfteweard, from aft + ward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Afterwards, Turner challenged Murdoch to a fistfight and the two media icons continued to play out their rivalry in the business world.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Afterwards, he returned to his apartment and edited images on his computer, adjusting light and skin tone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Afterwards Natalie's brother Declan said having Natalie in "our lives was the greatest joy we'll ever have".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Afterwards, her office confirmed it was in contact with Malta and willing to help where necessary.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Afterwards it was dinner on the grounds, and we talked some more.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.