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
Species range from upright to sprawling, the latter of which are commonly used as groundcovers, though also make a fine edging plant.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
The data showed that Democratic turnout has been much higher than their Republican counterparts, with about 580,000 voters for the former compared to 430,000 for the latter.
—CBS News, 19 May 2026
They were killed by Victoire’s own brothers and father; the latter long dead, the former missing.
—Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Neutral tones throughout the rest of the sneaker allow lower region to standout with a mix of cream and grey, including translucent eyestays and netting in the latter color.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
The data showed that Democratic turnout has been much higher than their Republican counterparts, with about 580,000 voters for the former compared to 430,000 for the latter.
—CBS News, 19 May 2026
They were killed by Victoire’s own brothers and father; the latter long dead, the former missing.
—Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Neutral tones throughout the rest of the sneaker allow lower region to standout with a mix of cream and grey, including translucent eyestays and netting in the latter color.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 19 May 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 21 May. 2026.
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