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
1
a
: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
an upward movement/flow
b
: directed toward the top (as of a piece of paper)
an upward stroke of the pen
c
: marked by an increase
an upward revision of the employment figures
2
: rising to a higher pitch
Her words had an upward inflection.
upwardly
adverb
upwardness
noun
Cite this Entry
“Upward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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