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 of later

Relevance

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
Nearly 16 months later, there are few public details of its work. — Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026 He was later stabilized but ultimately died from his injuries Sunday. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 Hilliard is the second high-profile executive to join USA Swimming before leaving less than a year later. — Matt Moret, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Rengifo was released by the Brewers on June 23 and signed a minor league deal with the Padres six days later. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 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

late of
later
-later
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Later.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/later. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of later for Spanish Speakers

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