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
The former donned a long black coat over a matching shirt and tie, dark wash jeans and dress shoes, while the latter rocked a white tank top with light wash jeans and olive green boots.
—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Approximately 200 guests were treated to private transportation and accommodations at five-star hotels in Paris and Florence, on top of the bride and groom's pricier stay at the latter's Villa San Michele.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Anisimova also beat Keys in their lone matchup, at last year’s WTA Finals, but the latter played while ill.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Other passages in Genesis Rabbah read Lot’s separation from Abraham as a sign of moral deficiency and covenantal distance, the latter underscored by God’s speaking to Abraham only after Lot’s departure.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 July 2026
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.
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Approximately 200 guests were treated to private transportation and accommodations at five-star hotels in Paris and Florence, on top of the bride and groom's pricier stay at the latter's Villa San Michele.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Anisimova also beat Keys in their lone matchup, at last year’s WTA Finals, but the latter played while ill.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Other passages in Genesis Rabbah read Lot’s separation from Abraham as a sign of moral deficiency and covenantal distance, the latter underscored by God’s speaking to Abraham only after Lot’s departure.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
