onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd 

ˈän-

variants or less commonly onwards

ˈȯn-wərdz 

ˈän-

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Synonyms of onward

Adverb

• forward

Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb

They have lived in that house from 1983 onward.

we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The letters are owned by Stamp’s estate and are headed to auction at Bonhams auction house from June 15 onward. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026

The Yankees bullpen retired the last seven Sox from Kiner-Falefa’s seventh-inning double play onward. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026

Adjective

Trenitalia offers regular rail connections between Assisi and Perugia, from which onward connections to Florence, Rome, and beyond are straightforward. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026

Levi’s went on a prolific streak of collaborations by releasing three collections with Nike and Jordan Brand from last July through January, and during that time and onward denim has been popping up on loads more in-line releases under the Nike umbrella. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing onward

• onward and upward

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd 

ˈän-

variants also onwards

-wərdz 

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective

: directed or moving onward

the onward march of time