outward

1 of 3

adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

1

: moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center

an outward flow

2

a

: situated on the outside : exterior

b

: able to be seen

outward beauty

no outward evidence of injury

3

: of or relating to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life

Their marriage was still quite normal to/by/from all outward appearances.

4

: external

outward

2 of 3

adverb

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

variants or outwards

ˈau̇t-wərdz 

1

: toward the outside

2

obsolete : on the outside : externally

outward

3 of 3

noun

: external form, appearance, or reality

Synonyms of outward

Adjective

• outer
• exterior

Noun

• face
• appearance
• effect
• impression
• seeming
• semblance

Examples of outward in a Sentence

Adjective

They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.

She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.

To all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.

outward symptoms of the disease

The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.

He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.

Adverb

The window faces outward toward the street.

Stand with your heels together, toes pointing outward.

air flowing outwards from the lungs

Noun

never was there in a man such a fine, heroic outward and such a cowardly interior

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But while both leaders received a red-carpet welcome, Putin’s visit was marked by a more outward display of the friendship between the two leaders and their countries. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026

But the outward disgust toward the AI boom doesn’t tell the full story of the 2026 graduating class’s relationship to AI. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 May 2026

Adverb

Household items, including an air-conditioner, shot outward, slamming into the building across the narrow street. —Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026

Increasingly, Saudi brands are also looking outward, exploring international markets where demand for culturally grounded, high‑performance beauty is rising. —Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

Noun

In IconArrows pointing outwards A letter from Tulsi Gabbard stating her resignation. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 22 May 2026

Again, gently press and blend the product outwards, and use light stamping motions to build coverage. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing outward

• outward-bound
• outward looking
• to/by all (outward) appearances

Kids Definition

outward

1 of 2 adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

1

: moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center

an outward flow

2

: showing on the outside

outward signs of fear

outward

2 of 2 adverb

variants or outwards

-wərdz 

: toward the outside

the city stretches outward for miles

fold it outward