afterwards
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for afterwards, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — At a later time; subsequently.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English afterwardes, built from "after" plus an adverbial ending.
Full origin of afterwards →Frequently asked questions
What does “afterwards” mean?
The word “afterwards” means at a later time; subsequently. In plain terms, later on, after something else has happened.
How do you pronounce “afterwards”?
“Afterwards” is pronounced AHF-tuh-wuhdz (/ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “afterwards” in a sentence?
Here is “afterwards” used in a sentence: “They had dinner and went to the cinema afterwards.”
What is the opposite of “afterwards”?
The opposite of “afterwards” — its antonyms — is beforehand.
What part of speech is “afterwards”?
“Afterwards” is an adverb.
Where does the word “afterwards” come from?
The word “afterwards” comes from Middle English. From Middle English afterwardes, built from "after" plus an adverbial ending.
Is “afterwards” a common word?
“Afterwards” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between afterwards and afterward?
There is no difference in meaning; both mean 'at a later time.' The only distinction is regional: 'afterwards' (with the s) is the usual form in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English. Both are correct, so choose whichever matches your audience or house style.
Is 'afterwards' formal or informal?
Afterwards is neutral in tone and works in both formal and everyday writing. In more formal or academic contexts, 'subsequently' is a common alternative, while 'later' or 'then' feel more conversational. All of them express the same basic idea of something happening at a later point in time.
What can I use instead of afterwards?
Close alternatives include 'later,' 'subsequently,' 'then,' 'thereafter,' and the phrase 'after that.' The best choice depends on tone: 'subsequently' suits formal writing, whereas 'later' and 'then' feel more natural in speech. Each one keeps the sense of one thing following another in time.