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
Infielder Gavin Kilen, the Giants’ first-round pick in the 2025 MLB draft, hit the first two home runs of his professional career for High-A Eugene, the latter being a walk-off.
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Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Milk contains a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fat; the latter depends on the type of milk.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
Utah has committed the latter crime against basketball multiple times in recent weeks, sitting starters for entire fourth quarters in an attempt to secure defeat.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
For the first time, scientists have highly detailed examples of animals from the latter part of the Ediacaran.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Milk contains a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fat; the latter depends on the type of milk.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
Utah has committed the latter crime against basketball multiple times in recent weeks, sitting starters for entire fourth quarters in an attempt to secure defeat.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
For the first time, scientists have highly detailed examples of animals from the latter part of the Ediacaran.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
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 6 Apr. 2026.
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