upward

1 of 2

adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd How to pronounce upward (audio)
variants or upwards
1
a
: in a direction from lower to higher
the kite rose upward
b(1)
: toward the source (as of a river)
(2)
: toward the interior (as of a region)
c
: in a higher position
held out his hand, palm upward
d
: in the upper parts : toward the head : above
from the waist upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition or level
young lawyers moving upward
3
a
: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank
from $5 upward
b
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
attendance figures have risen upward
4
: toward or into later years
from youth upward

upward

2 of 2

adjective

1
: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
2
: rising to a higher pitch
upwardly adverb
upwardness noun

Examples of upward in a Sentence

Adverb The road gradually rose upward. She directed my gaze upward. They are moving upward socially and economically. moving upward in the corporate world Adjective an upward revision of the vote tally
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.
Adverb
However, with the success of F1: The Movie, which has brought in $300 million at the global box office so far, that number could be revised upward. Chris Morris, Fortune, 9 July 2025 The disease progresses from the bottom of the plant upward, causing the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Adjective
And then, the stock index continued its upward march as inflation and other indicators showed that Trump’s tariff war hadn’t yet seeped through the economy. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025 The discussion laid bare a system that is structurally failing the Global South and explored how it might be rebuilt. CPI data reveals that only about 10% of total climate finance currently goes toward adaptation, with little evidence of a significant upward trend. Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for upward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upward was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

upward

1 of 2 adverb
up·​ward ˈəp-wərd How to pronounce upward (audio)
variants or upwards
1
: in a direction from lower to higher
the land rises upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition
worked my way upward in the business
3
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
prices shot upward

upward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending
upwardly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on upward

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