leftward

adjective or adverb

left·​ward ˈleft-wərd How to pronounce leftward (audio)
: being at, toward, or to the left

Examples of leftward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Clinton, Democrats concluded, had failed to engage nonwhite voters the way Obama did, meaning her leftward lurch had been insufficient. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 19 Aug. 2025 Colbert symbolized the leftward lurch of late-night television better than any other host, though others such as ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel followed suit. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025 But her leftward tilt puts her far from the party's ideological center of gravity. Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025 Sixty-five percent of videos showed felines sleeping in a leftward position versus 34.8 percent of cats leaning on their right side. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for leftward

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leftward was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Leftward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftward. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

leftward

adverb or adjective
left·​ward ˈlef-twərd How to pronounce leftward (audio)
: toward or on the left
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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