backward compatible
adjective
variants
or less commonly backwards compatible
: compatible with older equipment or previous versions of software
Dolby Digital is backward compatible and supports earlier versions of Dolby such as Pro Logic.—
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
backward compatibility
noun
or less commonly backwards compatibility
Examples of backward compatible in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The load-time savings are smaller (but still noticeable) when playing backward compatible PS4 games installed on the PS5’s internal storage.
—Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024
The consensus among leaks and rumors is that the Switch 2 will be completely backward compatible with the original Switch.
—Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 5 June 2024
The headset is also fully backward compatible with over 500 titles designed for earlier Quest headsets, and it can be connected to a PC via Link Cable or Air Link wireless connection for PC VR experiences.
—Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023
This tri-band mesh router can potentially download a 4K movie in 10 seconds, is backward compatible with existing Eeros and older Wi-Fi versions, and packs in four Ethernet ports (two 10 Gbps and two 2.5 Gbps).
—WIRED, 20 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backward compatible 
Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024
The consensus among leaks and rumors is that the Switch 2 will be completely backward compatible with the original Switch.
—Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 5 June 2024
The headset is also fully backward compatible with over 500 titles designed for earlier Quest headsets, and it can be connected to a PC via Link Cable or Air Link wireless connection for PC VR experiences.
—Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023
This tri-band mesh router can potentially download a 4K movie in 10 seconds, is backward compatible with existing Eeros and older Wi-Fi versions, and packs in four Ethernet ports (two 10 Gbps and two 2.5 Gbps).
—WIRED, 20 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backward compatible
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backward compatible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near backward compatible
Cite this Entry
“Backward compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward%20compatible. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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