afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: an idea occurring later
2
: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

Examples of afterthought in a Sentence

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat. The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought. The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.
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.
Lu is an afterthought despite the jolt of energy that accompanies Danson’s arrival. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025 Compounding the issue, this bout followed Brock Lesnar's shocking streak-ending victory over The Undertaker, leaving the commentary team and audience still reeling from the previous match's impact, effectively diminishing the women's match to a mere afterthought. 4. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 If Domínguez’s bat lives up to the hype, his defense will become an afterthought in the Bronx. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 The goal should be to make automation a natural part of the development process rather than an afterthought. William Jones, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for afterthought

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterthought was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afterthought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterthought. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

afterthought

noun
af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt How to pronounce afterthought (audio)
1
: a later thought about something one has done or said
2
: something not thought of originally

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