backward

¹back·ward

adv \ˈbak-wərd\

Definition of BACKWARD

1

a : toward the back b : with the back foremost

2

a : in a reverse or contrary direction or way b : toward the past c : toward a worse state

— bend over backward or lean over backward

: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)

Variants of BACKWARD

back·ward or back·wards \-wərdz\

Examples of BACKWARD

1. a sudden movement backward, not forward
2. I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.
3. He pushed the throttle backward.
4. She took a small step backward.
5. a journey backward in time
6. The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

First Known Use of BACKWARD

14th century

Related to BACKWARD

Synonyms: back, rearward (also rearwards)

Antonyms: ahead, along, forth, forward, forwards, on, onward (also onwards)

Related Words: astern, sternforemost; anticlockwise [chiefly British], counterclockwise, left-handed, left-handedly, retrograde, reversely, widdershins (also withershins)

Near Antonyms: before

see all synonyms and antonyms

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