subsequent

American  

[suhb-si-kwuhnt] / ˈsʌb sɪ kwənt /

adjective

1. occurring or coming later or after (often followed byto ).

   subsequent events;

   Subsequent to their arrival in Chicago, they bought a new car.

2. following in order or succession; succeeding.

   a subsequent section in a treaty.

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subsequent British  

/ ˈsʌbsɪkwənt /

adjective

1. occurring after; succeeding

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Other Word Forms

• subsequently adverb
• subsequentness noun

Etymology

Origin of subsequent

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin subsequent-, stem of subsequēns “following close behind,” present participle of subsequī “to follow close behind,” equivalent to sub- sub- + sequ(ī) “to follow”

Explanation

For something that comes after something else in time or order, choose the adjective subsequent. If the entire class fails an exam, the teacher will hopefully make subsequent ones a little easier. Subsequent comes from the Latin subsequi "to follow closely" and means just that - following or coming after. If you say, "in 1990 and subsequent years," it includes 1990, whereas "the years subsequent to 1990" do not include it. When you mention a car crash and subsequent traffic jam or a scandal and subsequent investigation, one follows the other in order but a cause and effect relationship is implied too.

Example Sentences

In fact, William Goldman’s first script of the film featured a sequence with Graham and Woodward, a scene that appeared in every subsequent draft.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The law and its subsequent reauthorizations ultimately made sure that minority citizens’ votes mattered, outlawing policies, such as gerrymandered maps, that watered down their political power.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

At his press conference, Trump referred to his executive order as a “first step” and said subsequent action would need congressional approval.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

As the initial wave of users rushed to exit, Aave reached its limits on how much it could lend out, effectively freezing the remaining assets and leaving subsequent users unable to withdraw.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

The distinction between a first appearance on stage and subsequent appearances can also be marked by the use of names or indefinite nouns on the one hand and pronouns on the other.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• consecutive
• consequent
• ensuing
• following
• successive