easy
We play after lunch.
What does After mean?
After means later than something else.
Dictionary definition
Later than a time, event, or place in order.
Example sentences
After in a sentence
medium
Read the answer after you finish the question.
hard
The story explains what happened after the storm ended.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice after in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of After
Answer two quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 2
Practice 1
Which word is an antonym of after?
Before is the opposite because it means earlier than something.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to after?
Later is close in meaning to after in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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After
Voice settings
Sounds like
af · ter · strongest beat: af
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordAfter.
Partpreposition, adverb.
MeaningAfter means later than something else.
ExampleExample: We play after lunch.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- af · ter
- Strongest beat
- af
- Ending
- ter
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on af.
Your turn
Say After
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Coach
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced after.
Synonyms
Words like After
laterUse for a time that comes after now or after another event.
followingUse for something that comes next in order.
Antonyms
Opposite words
beforeUse for something that happens earlier.
earlierUse for a time before another time.
Synonym practice
Want to practice after synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "We played outside after lunch," then compare close word choices. Practice after synonyms.
Word family
After word family
Base word
after
adverb
afterward
At a later time.
adverb
afterwards
Later after something happens.
noun
afterword
A note at the end of a book.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand After
Hint for students
After means later than something else in time or order.
Common mix-up
After is not the same as afterward in every sentence. After often needs a thing or event after it, like "after school."
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows after without using the word after. Model sentence: First we cleaned our desks, and then we lined up for recess. Clue words: first, then, lined up for recess Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show one thing happening later than another?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "We ate lunch after the morning lesson." Why does after fit better than before?
Learning activities
Practice After and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice AFTER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice AFTER
Sentence Builder
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