What is the opposite of “earlier”?

What is the antonym of “earlier”?

The antonyms of earlier are later and afterwards. The antonyms later and afterwards convey a sense of time that comes after the present or a specific point in time.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

later

At a time in the future; after the present or a specific point in time.

Example

I will meet you later at the coffee shop.

afterwards

At a later time; following an event or action.

Example

She went to the gym first, and afterwards, she went to the grocery store.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Later refers to a specific time in the future, while afterwards refers to a time following an event or action.
• 2. Later can be used as an adverb or adjective, while afterwards is only used as an adverb.

Good things to know

• 1. Planning: Use later to indicate a specific time in the future.
• 2. Narration: Use afterwards to describe events that occur after a specific action or event.
• 3. Conversation: Incorporate these antonyms in conversations to clarify the timing of events or actions.

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Remember this!

The antonyms later and afterwards convey a sense of time that comes after the present or a specific point in time. Use later to indicate a specific time in the future and afterwards to describe events that occur after a specific action or event. These antonyms can be used in planning, narration, and conversation to clarify the timing of events or actions.