1
as in delayed
not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time
I ran as fast as I could, but was still late for class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in former
having been such at some previous time
the late musical director said he would never have allowed such behavior while he was in charge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fallen
no longer living
our late granduncle remembered us in his will
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in advanced
being far along in development
late impressionism gave rise to pointillism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in later
after the due, usual, or proper time
she has a habit of arriving late for everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lately
not long ago
the actress, late of New York but now of Los Angeles, is being eagerly sought for film roles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of late
Willem Marx, NPR, 29 July 2025
In February, Disney and Major League Baseball agreed to part after a 25-year run, declining to renew their contract after this latest season.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Kim Praitano, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025
The state’s community water systems, which supply more than three-quarters of the state’s population with drinking water, began sending out notices late last year warning homeowners and renters that their service line could contain the toxic metal.
—Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for late
Adjective
Wheat flour prices have increased between 1,400% and 5,600% compared to late February.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 29 July 2025
In February, Disney and Major League Baseball agreed to part after a 25-year run, declining to renew their contract after this latest season.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Adverb
Too many diagnoses occur at late, less treatable stages, prompting exorbitant spending on end-of-life care instead of investment in cost-effective methods to extend health span and lifespan.
—Kim Praitano, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025
The state’s community water systems, which supply more than three-quarters of the state’s population with drinking water, began sending out notices late last year warning homeowners and renters that their service line could contain the toxic metal.
—Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for late
Recent Examples of Synonyms for late
Adjective
-
Two incumbents, a former city councilwoman and five others make up a crowded list of candidates vying for at-large seats on the Detroit City Council in the primary.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
-
The trailer now shows Ashur, a former slave, struggling to be accepted by high society.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to the University of San Diego, AI’s dual impact includes automating existing jobs while simultaneously creating new positions that demand advanced skills.—
Winnie Sun,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
In addition to the four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, China launched its first advanced Type 076 amphibious assault ship, CNS Sichuan, last December.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
The narrative outlined in the IAB file says the woman informed then Chief of Department Philip Banks, later a deputy mayor under Adams, within weeks of the November 2013 incident.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The latter, of course, is being groomed as WWE’s next big thing much like Reigns was a decade ago, so that’s the dream match that could bring Reigns back later in 2025.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
But lately his tone deafness is so jarring that even the political party that used to regard him as royalty is starting to get sick of him.—
Grace Curley,
Boston Herald,
21 July 2025
-
The Sun has been particularly active lately as it's reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Scrambling to recall a few staff and issue some belated funding is just window dressing.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Please accept our belated apology.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The committee is seeking old photographs and historical information about Pea Ridge and the years before there was a newspaper.—
Annette Beard,
Arkansas Online,
24 July 2025
-
Delaying tree harvests and protecting older forests enhances carbon sequestration, making untouched forests vital for reducing carbon dioxide and combating climate change.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
He was treated by a rescue crew before being taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
24 July 2025
-
Exposure to dead animals or eating contaminated bushmeat are other risk factors, but these concerns are rare for the average tourist.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adverb
-
Deputies eventually breached the door of the house with explosives and got in without firing any shots around 1:30 p.m., Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley told Fox 19.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
27 July 2025
-
The incident resulted in an hours-long standoff with Waukesha police, who eventually used drones to locate Lovejoy's body, which had been dragged to a spot near basement stairs, and spot Couture's location in the house.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/late. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share