BELATED Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

belated

adjective

bi-ˈlā-təd

Definition of belated

as in delayed

not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time a belated birthday card

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 belated The closer and title track serve as a belated mission statement, at once tonally busy and capaciously arranged, as if to make the frequency spectrum itself a character in the songs. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 June 2026 The journey proves a belated act of self-discovery. — John Hopewell, Variety, 17 May 2026 Tonkin marked their first wedding anniversary in a belated Instagram post on Tuesday, May 12. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Seattle receiver Golden Tate, after pushing off on the Packers’ Sam Shields (no flag was thrown, naturally), had made what seemed like a belated reach and put a single arm on the ball as Jennings fell to the ground. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belated

Adjective

The delayed flight was one of two crises that Haitian officials faced on Thursday with deportees being returned from the United States.

— Gérard Maxineau, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
After Tuesday’s practice, Purdy detailed how a delayed throw to Luke Farrell got intercepted by linebacker Del-Shawn Phillips off near the goal line.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of delayed

Adjective

Its winding path — and its goose motif — serve as the inspiration for Fortunae, Ginori 1735’s latest collection of collectible porcelain and home decor.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
In late summer, iLanders began appearing in writers’ inboxes unprompted with increasing frequency.

— Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Know More Waters is one of a number of senior members of Congress that fellow Democrats are grumbling about in private for being delinquent on their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Even more surprising is the list of prominent customers with delinquent accounts.

— Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of delinquent

Adjective

If competitors could see the same thing and chose not to act, that’s a signal the market itself may be overdue for a retest, not that the opportunity is fake.

— Piotr Tomasik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Amendment 3 supporters say the measure will provide overdue tax relief for Florida families struggling to afford their homes.

— Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of overdue

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belabors

belated

belatedly

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“Belated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belated. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of belated

adjective

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