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
Maurice coached Green in Toronto during the latter’s final year in the league as a player in 2006-07.
—
Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Both acts have time slots on Saturday around 3 p.m. with the latter taking Weekend 1 and the British singer-songwriter taking Weekend 2.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Since then, the 17,600-capacity venue nestled near the Venetian Resort and Wynn Las Vegas just off the Las Vegas Strip has enticed sell-out crowds for residencies from Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles, the latter two of which are still continuing.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Tims also took unofficial visits to USF, UCF, Florida and Miami, although the latter two never ended up offering him.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the latter
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Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Both acts have time slots on Saturday around 3 p.m. with the latter taking Weekend 1 and the British singer-songwriter taking Weekend 2.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Since then, the 17,600-capacity venue nestled near the Venetian Resort and Wynn Las Vegas just off the Las Vegas Strip has enticed sell-out crowds for residencies from Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles, the latter two of which are still continuing.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Tims also took unofficial visits to USF, UCF, Florida and Miami, although the latter two never ended up offering him.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
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 19 Apr. 2025.
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