Synonyms of Then: 40+ Useful Alternatives With Examples

The word then is useful, but repeating it in every sentence can make your writing sound predictable. You might use it to describe what happened next, refer to a past moment, explain a result, or respond to a particular situation.

Each meaning calls for a different alternative. For example, afterward works well when describing a later event, while therefore introduces a conclusion. These words are related, but they cannot always replace one another.

This guide to synonyms of then explains more than 40 useful alternatives, grouped by meaning and context.

You will learn which words work best in essays, research papers, emails, and everyday conversation. You will also find natural examples, grammar tips, and comparisons to help you choose a replacement without changing your intended meaning.

Meaning of “Then”

Then is a common English word with several meanings. Its exact meaning depends on the sentence.

Definition

Then most often refers to a time, the next event in a sequence, or a result that follows from a condition or situation.

Consider these examples:

Time: I lived in Karachi then.
Sequence: We finished dinner and then watched a movie.
Result: If you agree, then we can begin.
Conclusion or inference: You have the receipt, so then you can request a refund.

The final example is conversational. In formal writing, a more precise expression may sound more natural.

Part of Speech

Then is mainly an adverb. It can refer to time or order, and it can appear in conditional sentences.

In expressions such as then and there, it helps identify a specific time and place. In every now and then, it forms part of an idiomatic expression.

Pronunciation

IPA: /ðen/
Simple pronunciation: then, rhyming with when.

Origin

Then comes from Old English þonne, a historical form used to express meanings related to time and sequence. Its modern uses have developed over many centuries.

Simple Explanation

Think of then as a word that answers questions such as:

When did something happen?
What happened next?
What follows from this situation?

The answer determines which synonym you should choose. If you mean a later event, use afterward or next. If you mean a logical result, therefore or consequently may be more suitable.

Top Synonyms of “Then”

There is no single synonym that works in every situation. The following alternatives are grouped according to the meaning they express.

1. Synonyms for Then That Refer to Time

Use these words when you mean that something happened at a later time or during a particular period.

Word or phrase	Meaning	Example
Afterward	At a later time	We visited the museum and went for lunch afterward.
Afterwards	At a later time; common in British English	She finished her class and afterwards called her friend.
Later	At a time after the present or a stated event	I will explain the details later.
Subsequently	At a later stage, often in formal writing	The proposal was reviewed and subsequently approved.
Thereafter	After a particular time or event	He signed the contract and thereafter began the work.
At that time	During the time being discussed	At that time, the town had only one school.
At that moment	At one specific moment	At that moment, the lights went out.
At that point	At a particular stage or time	At that point, we decided to change our plans.
Soon after	A short time later	The rain stopped, and the sun appeared soon after.
Before long	After a short period	Before long, the new shop attracted regular customers.
Eventually	In the end, after some time	After several attempts, she eventually solved the problem.
Previously	Before the time under discussion	The building had previously served as a library.

These alternatives differ in timing. Soon after suggests a short interval, while eventually often suggests a longer process before a final outcome. Previously points backward in time rather than forward, so it only replaces then in certain sentences.

Synonyms for Then and Next: Words That Show Sequence

When explaining steps, telling a story, or describing a process, choose a word that clearly shows what follows.

Word or phrase	Meaning	Example
Next	The following step or event	First, read the instructions. Next, gather your materials.
After that	Following the event just mentioned	We booked the tickets. After that, we reserved a hotel.
Following that	Coming after a particular event	The team held a meeting. Following that, it issued a report.
From there	Moving forward from a particular point or stage	We reached the station and from there took a taxi.
In turn	In sequence or as a consequence of something else	Each student introduced the next speaker, who in turn welcomed the guests.
In the next step	At the following stage of a process	In the next step, enter your account details.
The next time	On the following occasion	The next time you visit, bring your camera.
Moving on	Proceeding to another subject or stage	Moving on, let’s discuss the final section.
Once that is done	After a task has been completed	Once that is done, save your changes.
From that point onward	Starting at a specified stage and continuing	From that point onward, all records were stored digitally.

Which word is best? Use next for short instructions, after that for everyday storytelling, and following that for a more formal sequence. In a research paper, precise transitions often make the order of events easier to follow.

Synonyms for Then That Express a Result

Sometimes then connects a condition or fact to what follows. In these sentences, a result word may be more accurate than a time-related synonym.

Word or phrase	Meaning	Example
Therefore	For that reason; as a logical conclusion	The sample was contaminated; therefore, the test was repeated.
Consequently	As a result of an earlier event	The road was closed, and consequently, traffic increased nearby.
Thus	In this way or as a result	The figures were incorrect; thus, the team revised its report.
Hence	For this reason	The deadline has passed; hence, the application cannot be accepted.
Accordingly	In response to a fact or situation	The rules changed, and the staff acted accordingly.
As a result	Introducing an outcome	The store reduced its hours. As a result, fewer customers visited.
For that reason	Explaining why something happened	The evidence was incomplete. For that reason, the claim was rejected.
Because of this	Showing the cause of an outcome	The machine overheated. Because of this, production stopped.
In consequence	As a consequence; relatively formal	The company missed its target and suffered financially in consequence.

These alternatives are not all direct synonyms. Therefore, hence, and thus usually present a conclusion or consequence. They should not replace then when the sentence simply describes the next event.

For example:

Sequence: She opened the file and then printed it.
Result: The file was incomplete; therefore, she corrected it.

The first sentence describes order. The second explains a reasoned outcome.

Alternatives to Then in Conditional Sentences

In conditional sentences, then often connects an if clause to its consequence. You can sometimes remove it or replace it with a phrase that makes the relationship clearer.

Alternative	Best use	Example
In that case	Responding to a particular situation	If the office is closed, in that case, we will return tomorrow.
If so	Referring to a condition that may be true	Are you available tomorrow? If so, we can meet.
Under those circumstances	Explaining what applies in a specific situation	Under those circumstances, postponing the event makes sense.
In that event	Referring to a possible occurrence	If the payment fails, in that event, contact the bank.
Given that situation	Responding to known circumstances	Given that situation, a shorter deadline may be reasonable.
Otherwise	Describing what happens if the stated action is not taken	Submit the form today; otherwise, your application may be delayed.

Some of these phrases need sentence restructuring. For example, otherwise often means “if not,” so it cannot replace then in every conditional statement.

Formal and Academic Alternatives to Then

Academic writing benefits from precise transitions. The right choice depends on whether you are reporting events, describing a method, or explaining a conclusion.

Alternative	Use in formal writing	Example
Subsequently	Reporting a later event	The participants completed the survey and were subsequently interviewed.
Thereafter	Describing what followed a specified point	Thereafter, the researchers monitored the samples for six weeks.
Following this	Connecting stages in a report	Following this, the results were compared with earlier findings.
At that stage	Identifying a point in a process	At that stage, the hypothesis remained unconfirmed.
In the subsequent phase	Describing a later stage	In the subsequent phase, the researchers analyzed the data.
Accordingly	Linking a decision to the circumstances	The results differed from expectations; accordingly, the model was adjusted.
Therefore	Introducing a supported conclusion	The variables were correlated; therefore, further testing was required.
As a next step	Introducing the next action	As a next step, the team evaluated the revised model.

For IELTS essays, research papers, and professional reports, avoid replacing every instance of then with a longer word. A short, accurate transition or no transition at all often reads better.

Everyday and Conversational Alternatives

In conversation, simple phrases often sound more natural than formal connectors.

Alternative	Meaning or tone	Example
And then	Adds the next event	We missed the bus, and then it started raining.
After that	Casual way to continue a story	I called my brother. After that, I went home.
Later on	At a later time	We can talk about the details later on.
Next up	Introducing the next item or activity	Next up, we’ll look at the budget.
Well then	Responding or moving toward a decision	Well then, let’s get started.
In that case	Responding to new information	You have already paid? In that case, keep the receipt.
From then on	Describing what continued afterward	From then on, we travelled together.

Use well then carefully. It is a conversational expression, not a general replacement for the time-related meaning of then.

How to Replace “Then” in an Essay

If you are writing an essay and notice that then appears too often, first identify the relationship between the sentences.

For chronological order: use subsequently, afterward, or following this.
For the next point in an argument: use next or introduce the point directly.
For a logical conclusion: use therefore, thus, or consequently when the logic supports it.
For a change in topic: use turning to or next, consider.
For a conditional result: use in that case or restructure the sentence.

Example:

Repetitive: “The researchers collected the samples. Then they tested them. Then they recorded the results.”

Improved: “The researchers collected the samples, tested them, and recorded the results.”

You do not always need a synonym. Combining related actions can make your writing more direct.

Synonyms for Then in Research Writing

In research papers, a transition should clarify the relationship between procedures, findings, and conclusions.

For a later procedure: subsequently, following this, in the next phase.
For a timeline: afterward, thereafter, at a later stage.
For a conclusion: therefore, consequently, thus.
For an interpretation: in light of these findings, based on these results.
For the next analytical step: next, as a subsequent step.

Example: “The researchers removed incomplete responses. Subsequently, they analyzed the remaining data.”

Use subsequently only when you want to emphasize that the analysis happened later. If the order is already clear, “They removed incomplete responses and analyzed the remaining data” may be more concise.

Antonyms of “Then”

Then does not have one direct antonym that works in every context. Its opposite depends on the meaning.

Word or phrase	Relationship to then	Example
Now	Contrasts a past time with the present	I lived there then, but I live here now.
Before	Refers to an earlier time or event	We ate after the meeting, not before it.
Earlier	Refers to a time preceding another	She arrived earlier than expected.
Previously	Refers to an earlier period	The building was previously a school.
First	Marks the beginning of a sequence	First, check the figures; then, prepare the report.

These are contextual opposites, not universal antonyms. For example, before can contrast with afterward, while now can contrast with then when the sentence refers to the past.

Example Sentences

Here are practical examples showing how to replace then without losing the intended meaning.

Daily Conversation

We had lunch and afterward walked around the park.
I’ll finish my work first and call you later.
She opened the gift, and next she read the card.
We moved to a new neighborhood. From then on, we walked to school.
You already have the tickets? In that case, let’s leave early.

Academic English

The participants completed the questionnaire and were subsequently interviewed.
Following this, the researchers compared the two groups.
The results were inconsistent; therefore, the experiment was repeated.
At that stage, the evidence did not support the original hypothesis.
The initial model failed. Consequently, the researchers developed another approach.

Business and Professional Writing

The manager reviewed the proposal and afterward shared her feedback.
The supplier missed the deadline. As a result, production was delayed.
As a next step, the team will contact potential customers.
The policy was updated, and employees acted accordingly.
The application was approved and thereafter moved to the final review stage.

Essays and Formal Writing

The first argument concerns cost. Next, the discussion considers long-term value.
The evidence was insufficient; thus, no firm conclusion could be reached.
The law changed in 2020. Thereafter, several related regulations were revised.
At that point, the discussion shifted from theory to practice.
The evidence supports the claim. For that reason, the conclusion is reasonable.

Notice how the examples use different relationships. Afterward and subsequently establish time, while therefore and as a result explain consequences.

Difference Between Similar Words

Several alternatives to then look interchangeable but express different ideas.

Word pair	Main difference	Example
Then vs. than	Then relates to time or sequence; than introduces a comparison.	We ate then left. / She is taller than me.
Then vs. next	Then has several meanings; next specifically identifies what follows.	We talked then went home. / Next, open the book.
Then vs. afterward	Then can refer to time, sequence, or conditions; afterward means at a later time.	If you agree, then we can begin. / We ate afterward.
Then vs. subsequently	Subsequently is more formal and usually emphasizes a later event.	The team met and subsequently revised its plan.
Then vs. therefore	Then may indicate sequence or a conditional result; therefore expresses a conclusion or consequence.	Read the report, then answer. / The figures conflict; therefore, check them.

Then vs. After

Then can refer to a time, a step, or a consequence. After usually establishes that one event or time follows another, and it can function as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb.

Then: We finished dinner, then watched a film.
After: We watched a film after dinner.

Both sentences describe the same order, but their structures differ. After also appears in expressions such as after the meeting and after we arrived.

Then vs. Later

Later usually means at a time farther ahead. Then can refer to a specific past time or mark the next step.

“I will call you later” means the call will happen at a future time.
“I lived there then” refers to a particular period in the past.

Then vs. Therefore in Research

Use then to report the order of research activities. Use therefore to explain what a finding logically supports.

“The researchers measured the samples, then entered the data.”
“The sample was too small; therefore, the findings require further testing.”

The second sentence makes a reasoned inference, not simply a timeline statement.

Best Alternative Words

Choose an alternative according to the purpose of your sentence rather than the length or formality of the word.

Context	Best alternatives	Why they work
Everyday conversation	After that, later, next	Simple and natural
Essay writing	Subsequently, next, therefore	Helps organize events and arguments
IELTS writing	Subsequently, therefore, consequently	Useful when the relationship between ideas supports the transition
Research papers	Following this, subsequently, therefore	Separates procedures from conclusions
Business emails	Afterward, as a next step, accordingly	Makes actions and follow-ups clear
Instructions	Next, after that, once that is done	Shows what to do in order
Storytelling	Later, soon after, eventually	Establishes a timeline
Formal reports	Thereafter, subsequently, accordingly	Fits formal descriptions of events and actions
Conditional statements	In that case, if so	Connects a condition to a response
Presenting conclusions	Therefore, thus, as a result	Explains an outcome or inference

A useful rule is to prefer next for instructions, subsequently for formal timelines, and therefore for conclusions. Do not use formal transitions simply to make a sentence sound more sophisticated.

Grammar Tips

1. Place “Then” Where the Meaning Is Clear

Then often appears before the main verb or at the beginning of a clause.

She then explained the problem.
We finished the task. Then we went home.

Both are grammatical. The best placement depends on sentence rhythm and emphasis.

2. Use “Then” to Show Sequence

When two actions happen in order, then can connect them.

He checked the address and then sent the parcel.
First, save the file. Then, close the program.

You can often remove then if the order is already obvious, especially in short sentences.

3. Understand “If … Then” Sentences

Then often introduces the result of a condition.

If the weather improves, then we will go outside.
If you have finished, we can begin.

The second sentence omits then but remains correct. In many everyday conditional sentences, it is optional.

4. Use “Then” and “Than” Correctly

These words sound similar but have different functions.

Then: We ate, then left.
Than: This book is longer than the previous one.

A quick check: if you are comparing two things, you probably need than. If you are referring to time or order, you may need then.

5. Choose Punctuation Based on Sentence Structure

When then connects two independent clauses, a full stop or a semicolon may make the sentence clearer.

We finished the survey. Then we reviewed the responses.
We finished the survey; then we reviewed the responses.

A comma alone between two complete sentences can create a comma splice. However, punctuation also depends on the grammatical structure of the full sentence.

6. Do Not Confuse Time With Cause

Then and therefore serve different purposes.

Time: The bell rang, and then the students left.
Cause or conclusion: The bell had rung; therefore, the class was over.

Use therefore only when the relationship between the ideas supports a conclusion.

Common Mistakes

1. Using “Then” Instead of “Than”

Incorrect: This method is easier then the old one.

Correct: This method is easier than the old one.

Use than for comparisons involving words such as better, faster, easier, and more expensive.

2. Replacing Every “Then” With “Therefore”

Awkward: She opened the door; therefore, she entered the room.

Better: She opened the door and then entered the room.

The original sentence does not need a logical conclusion. It simply describes two actions in sequence.

3. Using “Subsequently” in Casual Conversation Too Often

Unnatural in casual speech: I ate breakfast and subsequently went to work.

More natural: I ate breakfast and then went to work.

Subsequently is correct, but it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation.

4. Assuming “Eventually” Means “Immediately After”

Incorrect use: The meeting ended, and eventually I walked to the next room. (If you mean that you went straight there.)

Better: The meeting ended, and I went straight to the next room.

Eventually usually suggests that something happened after some time, effort, or delay.

5. Using “Therefore” Without a Logical Connection

Unclear: I bought a notebook; therefore, it was Tuesday.

Better: I bought a notebook, then went to class.

Use therefore when the first statement supports the second as a conclusion or consequence.

6. Adding Unnecessary Transition Words

Wordy: We completed the first task, and then afterward we started the second task.

Better: We completed the first task and then started the second.

Then and afterward overlap here. One transition is enough.

Pro Writing Tips

Use these techniques to make your writing clearer and less repetitive.

Identify the meaning first. Decide whether then refers to time, sequence, or a result.
Match the tone. Choose next for everyday instructions and subsequently for formal reports.
Avoid unnecessary transitions. If the order is obvious, you may not need a replacement.
Do not confuse sequence with cause. Use afterward for a later event and therefore for a conclusion.
Vary sentence structure. Combine related actions instead of starting every sentence with a transition.
Read the sentence aloud. A word that looks formal on the page may sound unnatural in conversation.
Prefer accuracy over variety. A familiar word is better than an impressive alternative that changes the meaning.

Related Words

These words and expressions often appear in sentences where then is used. They are related by context, but they are not all direct synonyms.

Group	Related words and phrases
Time expressions	Now, later, earlier, afterward, previously, eventually
Sequence words	First, next, finally, afterward, following, meanwhile
Result connectors	Therefore, consequently, thus, hence, accordingly
Conditional expressions	If, if so, in that case, otherwise, provided that
Transition phrases	After that, following this, at that point, moving on
Chronological expressions	Before, during, after, at the time, from then on
Common collocations	Then and there, every now and then, now and then, back then
Confused words	Then, than, afterward, afterwards

Common Expressions With “Then”

Then and there: At that exact time and place. Example: “She accepted the offer then and there.”
Every now and then: Occasionally. Example: “We visit our old neighborhood every now and then.”
Back then: During a past period. Example: “Back then, we did not have internet access at home.”
From then on: Starting at a particular time and continuing afterward. Example: “From then on, he kept a daily journal.”
Now and then: Occasionally. Example: “I still read that magazine now and then.”

These expressions have specific meanings. Replacing then inside them without considering the full phrase may change their meaning or make them sound unnatural.

FAQs

1. What are the best synonyms of then?

The best alternatives include afterward, later, next, subsequently, thereafter, and following that. For results, consider therefore, consequently, or thus. If you are responding to a condition, in that case may fit. Always check the sentence before choosing a replacement because each word expresses a slightly different relationship.

2. What is a simple synonym for then?

Next is a simple alternative when you are describing the following step or event. For example, “First, wash the vegetables. Then, cut them” can become “First, wash the vegetables. Next, cut them.” If you mean a later time rather than the next step, later or afterward may be more accurate.

3. What is a formal synonym for then?

Subsequently and thereafter are useful formal alternatives when describing events that happen later. For example, “The proposal was reviewed and subsequently approved.” For a conclusion, use therefore or consequently if the relationship is logical. Formal words should clarify the connection between ideas rather than simply make a sentence sound more advanced.

4. What is another word for then in an essay?

The best choice depends on the sentence. Use next to introduce a following point, subsequently to describe a later event, and therefore to introduce a conclusion. If you are repeating then too often, you can also combine related actions or restructure the paragraph. This usually produces smoother writing than replacing every occurrence with another transition word.

5. What is the difference between then and after?

Then can refer to a particular time, the next event, or the result of a condition. After generally expresses that something follows another time or event. Compare “We ate, then left” with “We left after dinner.” Both express sequence, but the grammatical structure differs. After can introduce a noun phrase or a clause, while then commonly functions as an adverb.

6. Can I use then synonyms in IELTS writing?

Yes. Words such as subsequently, therefore, and consequently can be useful in IELTS writing when they express the intended relationship. Use subsequently for chronology and therefore for a supported conclusion. Do not insert formal transitions into every sentence. Clear organization, accurate grammar, and logical connections matter more than using complicated vocabulary.

7. What is another word for then in research papers?

For a later procedure or event, consider subsequently, thereafter, or following this. For an inference based on findings, use therefore, thus, or consequently when appropriate. For example, “The samples were prepared and subsequently analyzed.” Choose a transition that accurately describes the research process instead of using a formal alternative merely for variety.

8. Is therefore a synonym for then?

Not in every context. Therefore means “for that reason” and introduces a conclusion or consequence. Then often refers to time or sequence, although it can also connect a condition to a result. “We ate and then left” describes two events in order. “We were hungry; therefore, we ate” explains why an action happened.

9. What is another way to say “after that”?

Common alternatives include afterward, afterwards, subsequently, thereafter, and following that. Afterward works well in everyday writing, while subsequently suits formal descriptions of events. For example, “We toured the building. After that, we met the manager” can become “We toured the building and subsequently met the manager.” The best choice depends on tone and sentence structure.

10. What is the difference between then and than?

Then refers to time, sequence, or a conditional result. Than is used to compare people, objects, or situations. For example, “We finished the work, then went home” describes the order of events. “This task is easier than the previous one” compares difficulty. Remembering this distinction helps avoid one of the most common errors in English writing.

Conclusion

The best synonyms of then depend on what you want to express. Use next and after that to show sequence, later and afterward to refer to time, and subsequently or thereafter in formal descriptions of events.

When you need to explain a result, therefore, thus, and consequently may be more accurate. For conditional situations, in that case is often a natural choice.

Remember that these alternatives are not interchangeable in every sentence. Identify the intended meaning, consider your audience, and choose the simplest accurate expression. You can also remove then when the order is already clear, making your writing more direct and natural.