1
: relating to or being the fallacy of arguing from temporal sequence to a causal relation
2
: formulated after the fact
a post hoc rationalization

Examples of post hoc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Recently, the algorithm was used to analyze post hoc the resulting workload for a single human deploying a heterogeneous robot swarm in an urban environment. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2022 Such is today’s post hoc, reactive model of dealing with outbreaks. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2015 Nearly nine in 10 polls overstated Clinton's support among voters that year, according to a Pew analysis done post hoc. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Antitrust enthusiasts often point to this as an example of salutary government intervention, but this is a classic post hoc ergo propter hoc error. The Editors, National Review, 13 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for post hoc

Word History

Etymology

New Latin post hoc, ergo propter hoc after this, therefore because of this

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of post hoc was in 1704

Cite this Entry

“Post hoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/post%20hoc. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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