belated

[bih-ley-tid] / bɪˈleɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

late, slow

Synonyms

STRONGEST

delayed long-delayed overdue tardy

WEAK

behind time behindhand remiss unpunctual

Antonyms

STRONGEST

early

WEAK

on time punctual timely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A belated recusal would be better than no recusal.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Mojica planned a belated coming out talk at dinner the night before; the discussion never happened.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The Ashes: England's belated resistance ends as Australia retain the Ashes.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

What is your biggest takeaway from the belated November report?

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

In this he failed–though he did achieve a certain belated, inadvertent triumph.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson