the latter
noun
1
: the second one of two things or people that have been mentioned
Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.
2
: the last thing or person mentioned
Of chicken, fish, and meat, I like the latter best.
3
: the thing or person that has just been mentioned
The President—or, if the latter is too busy, the Vice President—will see you shortly.
Examples of the latter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ciattarelli holds small leads on jobs, the economy, and taxes, while Sherrill is stronger on education, infrastructure, and health care—leading 50 percent to 35 percent on the latter.
—
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
They were duly beaten in the latter and manager Erik ten Hag was sacked.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Tensions between Mogadishu and the latter even flared into a violent clash near the Kenyan border in December, following a dispute over the re-election of Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, the statelet’s leader and a current nemesis of Mohamud.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Travelers can get a sense of the former with a short but brisk hike to the Fortynine Palms Oasis, then get a taste of the latter with an architectural tour of the one-of-a-kind Kellogg Doolittle House.
—AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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.
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
They were duly beaten in the latter and manager Erik ten Hag was sacked.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Tensions between Mogadishu and the latter even flared into a violent clash near the Kenyan border in December, following a dispute over the re-election of Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, the statelet’s leader and a current nemesis of Mohamud.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Travelers can get a sense of the former with a short but brisk hike to the Fortynine Palms Oasis, then get a taste of the latter with an architectural tour of the one-of-a-kind Kellogg Doolittle House.
—AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
Cite this Entry
“The latter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20latter. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share