later
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for later, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — At a subsequent or future time.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
afterward
later on
in a while
down the line
in the future
Antonyms
How to use later
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sooner or later
see you later
"Later" as a standalone goodbye is casual and mostly spoken.
Etymology
From Old English lator, the comparative form of "late".
Full origin of later →Frequently asked questions
What does “later” mean?
The word “later” means at a subsequent or future time. In plain terms, afterward, at some point in the future — or, as an interjection, a breezy way to say goodbye.
How do you pronounce “later”?
“Later” is pronounced LAY-tuh (/ˈleɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “later” in a sentence?
Here is “later” used in a sentence: “We can discuss this later.”
What part of speech is “later”?
Depending on how it is used, “later” can be an adverb and an intj.
Where does the word “later” come from?
The word “later” comes from Old English. From Old English lator, the comparative form of "late".
Is “later” a common word?
“Later” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “later” have?
“Later” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at a subsequent or future time.
What is the difference between later and latter?
'Later' refers to time — something happening afterward: 'See you later.' 'Latter' refers to the second of two things already mentioned: 'tea or coffee — I prefer the latter.' They sound similar but are never interchangeable. If you mean a point in time, always use 'later.'
What is the difference between later and after?
'Later' can stand alone to mean at some future point: 'I'll call later.' 'After' usually needs a reference point, marking what follows something else: 'after lunch.' In short, 'later' is a general time adverb, while 'after' links one event to another.
What is the opposite of later?
The opposite of 'later' is 'earlier' or 'sooner,' both pointing to a time closer to now or before the moment in question. 'Now' also contrasts with 'later,' as in 'do it now, not later.' The right opposite depends on whether you mean before or immediately.
