thereafter

adverb

there·​af·​ter t͟her-ˈaf-tər How to pronounce thereafter (audio)
Synonyms of thereafternext
1
: after that
2
archaic : according to that : accordingly

Synonyms of thereafter

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Examples of thereafter in a Sentence

Thereafter, the two companies operated in full partnership. gave his farewell speech and left the room shortly thereafter
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.
Shortly thereafter, Kelce caught a short pass from Mahomes, something fans hope to see more of when the season starts in September. — Pete Grathoff july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 The two connected shortly thereafter on a play-action pass for a first down. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 31 July 2026 SpaceX cut off its livestream shortly thereafter, at the request of the agency. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 July 2026 Separating from Morris in 1962, Forti married artist Robert Whitman shortly thereafter; the pair would remain married for six years, with Forti participating in many of Whitman’s Happenings. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thereafter

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thereafter was before the 12th century

Rhymes for thereafter

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Browse Nearby Words

the ready
thereafter
thereagainst
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Cite this Entry

“Thereafter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thereafter. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thereafter

adverb
there·​af·​ter t͟ha-ˈraf-tər How to pronounce thereafter (audio)
t͟he-
: after that
it was returned shortly thereafter

More from Merriam-Webster on thereafter

Nglish: Translation of thereafter for Spanish Speakers

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