afterthought
noun
af·ter·thought
ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt 
1
: an idea occurring later
made the suggestion as an afterthought
2
: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary
a seating area added as an afterthought to the office
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
Many people pay close attention to what’s on their plate at dinnertime, but meal timing is often an afterthought, with dinner squeezed in only after work, child care, social plans, and other obligations are met.
—
Jamie Ducharme, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Just two years ago, Darnold was an afterthought among NFL quarterbacks, living in relative anonymity as Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Brouk & Co Pearl Travel Jewelry Case Admittedly, my jewelry is often treated as an afterthought during travel, floating at the bottom of my toiletry bag or in a random duffel pocket.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
An afterthought and the butt of many jokes for the better part of the past decade during the NBA’s longest current playoff drought, there’s finally optimism around the Hornets.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for afterthought
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Jamie Ducharme, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Just two years ago, Darnold was an afterthought among NFL quarterbacks, living in relative anonymity as Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Brouk & Co Pearl Travel Jewelry Case Admittedly, my jewelry is often treated as an afterthought during travel, floating at the bottom of my toiletry bag or in a random duffel pocket.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
An afterthought and the butt of many jokes for the better part of the past decade during the NBA’s longest current playoff drought, there’s finally optimism around the Hornets.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for afterthought
Cite this Entry
“Afterthought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterthought. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
afterthought
noun
af·ter·thought
-ˌthȯt
1
: a later thought about something one has done or said
2
: something not thought of originally
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