later

1 of 2

adverb

lat·​er ˈlā-tər How to pronounce later (audio)
Synonyms of laternext
: at some time subsequent to a given time : subsequently, afterward
one week later
they later regretted the decision
—often used with on
experience that will be useful later on

-later

2 of 2

noun combining form

: worshipper
bibliolater

Synonyms

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of later in a Sentence

Adverb I'll talk to you again later. They later regretted the decision. She returned several weeks later. I saw him again later that morning.
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.
Adverb
The electoral bureau later banned Georgescu from May’s rerun, after prosecutors charged him with establishing a fascist group and other crimes. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 But Panama’s authorities later dismissed that concern, leading to a temporary extension of his safe-passage permit, which has now expired. — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 The latest details from the supply chain point to the inclusion of a vapor chamber on the flagship iPhone models to launch later this year. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 This includes the fact that the herpes virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, settles into the nervous system and lies dormant, which can ignite shingles later. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for later

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

see late entry 1

Noun combining form

French -latre, from Late Latin -latres, from Greek -latrēs; akin to Greek latron pay

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of later was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing later

Rhymes for later

See All Rhymes for later

Browse Nearby Words

-later
later
laterad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Later.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/later. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of later for Spanish Speakers

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