Definition of no longer
Short definition: The phrase no longer means something that used to be true or happen but has now stopped. People use it to talk about changes, endings, habits that are gone, or situations that are different from the past.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase no longer? The expression no longer is used when we want to say that something has changed and is not true anymore. It often appears in moments that describe endings, transitions, or new beginnings— when a habit stops, a feeling fades, or a situation becomes different from the past. In everyday life, no longer helps us talk about growth, change, and the way time quietly reshapes our experiences. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with examples that sound like real conversations rather than stiff dictionary sentences.
Form: no longer (adverbial phrase)
Related: not anymore, no more
Syllable: no-lon-ger
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Used to say that something that was true in the past is not true now.
In its most common use, no longer tells us that a situation has changed. It points to a clear difference between “before” and “now.” People often use it when talking about habits they have stopped, feelings that have faded, or conditions that have improved or worsened over time. It carries a sense of movement—from one stage of life to another.
She no longer feels nervous about speaking in public, because years of practice have slowly turned fear into confidence.He no longer works at the old company, but he still keeps in touch with the friends he made there.The town is no longer as quiet as it used to be, since new cafés and shops have brought more life to the streets.Synonyms: not anymore, no more, not now, not at present, no longer true, no longer the case, no longer happening, stopped being, ceased to be, ended, finished being, changed from before
Antonyms: still, yet, as before, continuing, ongoing, remaining, unchanged, still happening, still true, still the same, up to now, so far -
Used to show that a habit or repeated action has stopped.
No longer is often used when talking about things we used to do but have decided to stop—sometimes by choice, sometimes because life changed. It helps explain personal growth, new priorities, or simply a shift in routine.
He no longer stays up late every night, because he realized that good sleep helps him feel better during the day.She no longer eats fast food as often as before, choosing to cook at home and take better care of her health.They no longer argue about small things, having learned that peace matters more than being right.Synonyms: have stopped, have given up, quit doing, no more doing, no longer in the habit of, ended the habit of, ceased doing, dropped the practice of, left behind, moved on from, discontinued, stopped repeating
Antonyms: still do, keep doing, continue to, remain in the habit of, go on with, persist in, carry on, stick with, maintain the habit, repeat often, continue regularly, stay in the routine -
Used to describe emotional or personal change over time.
In a more emotional sense, no longer is often used when talking about feelings that have changed—like love that has faded, anger that has softened, or fear that has turned into strength. It gently marks the moment when someone realizes they are not the same person anymore.
She realized she no longer felt angry about the past, because forgiveness had finally brought her peace.He said he no longer wanted to live in fear, choosing instead to face challenges with courage.They found that they no longer shared the same dreams, and that honest realization helped them move forward in different directions.Synonyms: not anymore in feeling, emotionally changed, moved past, outgrown, left behind emotionally, grown beyond, no longer attached to, released from, healed from, free from old feelings, changed inside, transformed emotionally
Antonyms: still feel, remain emotional about, hold on to, stay attached to, keep feeling, remain affected by, continue to care about, still hurt over, still love, remain emotionally tied, keep emotions alive, stay connected -
Used in formal writing to mark a clear end to a condition or rule.
In more formal contexts, no longer is often used in announcements, policies, or official statements to clearly show that something has ended. It sounds polite but firm, making it useful in professional or public communication.
The policy is no longer in effect, and new guidelines will apply starting next month.This building is no longer open to the public, due to safety concerns discovered during inspection.The service will no longer be available after December, so customers are encouraged to update their plans early.Synonyms: discontinued, ended officially, no longer valid, no longer active, terminated, canceled, withdrawn, expired, phased out, stopped officially, brought to an end, no longer in force
Antonyms: still valid, still active, ongoing officially, in effect, continuing, current, still applied, still in force, maintained, extended, renewed, upheld -
Used to emphasize that a change feels permanent or important.
Sometimes no longer carries an emotional weight. It does not just describe a small change, but a turning point that feels meaningful—like closing one chapter of life and opening another.
After that experience, she was no longer the same person, and everyone could see how much she had grown.He realized he could no longer ignore his dreams, so he finally decided to take a risk and follow his passion.They said goodbye to their old home, knowing they would no longer return to that familiar place.Synonyms: not the same anymore, changed forever, permanently different, beyond return, past that stage, moved on from, ended for good, closed that chapter, left behind for good, permanently changed, no turning back, life-changing shift
Antonyms: still the same, unchanged forever, continuing as usual, not changed, remaining familiar, staying the same, still in the same place, no big change, just like before, unchanged life, same old situation, no shift