forward

adjective for·ward \ ˈfȯr-wərd also ˈfō- or ˈfȯ- , Southern also ˈfär- \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

1 a : near, being at, or belonging to the forepart

the forward section of the main deck

b : situated in advance

Baggage is carried in the forward cars of the train.

2 a : strongly inclined : ready

always forward to criticize his neighbors

b : lacking modesty or reserve : brash

Poorly disciplined children are often distressingly forward.

3 : notably advanced or developed : precocious

The child is very forward at walking.

4 : moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front

checked the forward movement of the dog

; also : moving toward an opponent's goal

5 a : advocating an advanced policy in the direction of what is considered progress

a firm forward policy

b : extreme, radical

on the forward fringe of conservatism

6 : of, relating to, or getting ready for the future

forward buying of produce

—

forwardly

adverb

—

forwardness

noun

See forward defined for English-language learners

See forward defined for kids

Examples of forward in a Sentence

the forward deck of a boat
the forward movement of history
a very forward young woman

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

There are specific tones and pitches to distinguish among forward acceleration, braking, and backing up.

— greg fink, Car and Driver, "The Sound of Silence: Nissan’s Future EVs Will Sound Like Cellphones [Video]," 25 Oct. 2017
Throwing on a slouchy double-breasted blazer on top, Jenner achieved a fashion-forward street style moment.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Has a Cooler Alternative to the Little White Boot," 20 Oct. 2017
However, after Monday night, Jose may slam on the brakes hard, ceasing nearly all forward motion, probably setting up a roller-coaster-like path that will take the storm in a series of loops, circles, dips and dives over for all of next week.

— greg porter, Washington Post, "Hurricane Jose may meander not far from the East Coast through Friday," 10 Sep. 2017
The Alumni received 15 points from forward Christian Leckband (2012-16) and 11 points on 3 of 5 shooting from forward Shane Bannarbie (2001-03).

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Seawolves thump Alumni in men’s basketball exhibition game," 29 Oct. 2017
Then starting small forward Danilo Gallinari (sprained left foot) and forward Sam Dekker (strained left oblique) got injured in the second game in Hawaii.

— broderick turner, latimes.com, "What we learned from the Clippers' preseason — despite all the injuries," 14 Oct. 2017
In soccer, Hai is a goal scorer who plays in forward positions, always keeping his eyes trained on the ball and chance to put one past a goalkeeper.

— marcos bretón, sacbee, "‘I don’t care about height’: This fearless Sacramento kid transcends the ‘m-word’ | The Sacramento Bee," 13 Oct. 2017
One intriguing dynamic to keep an eye on Wednesday and throughout the preseason is how the point-forward works with a pair of new points guards in Darren Collison and especially second-stringer Cory Joseph.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Nate McMillan: Pacers preseason opener will shed light on ‘what we are’," 3 Oct. 2017
Sina shares are trading at 39.5 times the company’s forward earnings, while Weibo is trading at 55 times its forward earnings, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

— julie steinberg, WSJ, "Hedge Fund Launches Proxy Fight Against China’s Sina," 19 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of forward

Middle English, from Old English foreweard, from fore- + -weard -ward

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

forward Synonyms

forward

adverb

: to or toward what is ahead or in front

from that time forward

moved slowly forward

See forward defined for English-language learners

Examples of forward in a Sentence

Her long hair fell forward as she bent to tie her shoes.
He pushed the throttle forward.
She took a small step forward.
The narrative moves backward and forward in time.
The technology has taken a big step forward.

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

If that game had ended differently, would coach Jim Tressel have put Smith in the driver’s seat going forward?

— joan niesen, SI.com, "Five Great What-Ifs From the Past 20 Years of College Quarterback Battles," 6 Apr. 2018
This month, and everyday going forward do your best to be kind.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "This Woman’s Powerful Message About Growing Up With Three Autistic Brothers Is Going Viral," 6 Apr. 2018
Cinepolis, however, decided not to go forward with the project, partly due to redevelopment plans for the Sears anchor store at Orland Square Mall that call for a 10-screen movie theater operated by the AMC chain, according to the village.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Mold cleanup in Main Street Triangle to cost Orland Park $200,000," 6 Apr. 2018
That allows the group to play some role in the court proceedings going forward, though they will not be allowed to collect legal fees or other compensation from the utility.

— dennis pillion, AL.com, "Daphne sewage plant exceeded bacteria limits by 4000 percent in January," 5 Apr. 2018
Those estimates depend on whether the number of TOPS Opportunity award recipients from 2017 remains constant going forward.

— wilborn p. nobles iii, NOLA.com, "3 bills that would change TOPS are advanced by Louisiana House lawmakers," 5 Apr. 2018
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports a ruling released Friday from U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove allows Bennie Hart's lawsuit to go forward.

— Fox News, "Lawsuit over denial of 'IM God' license plate can proceed," 4 Apr. 2018
No word on whether McDormand’s husband, Joel Coen, is also down with it, but still: looking forward to hearing more about Hollywood’s most winning thruple!

— kenzie bryant, Vanities, "The Rock Formally Invites Frances McDormand Into His Marriage," 3 Apr. 2018
Metropolitan already has committed more than $4 billion to the tunnels but offered in February to contribute another $6 billion or so, to cover the agricultural districts' share, and allowing the twin tunnels to go forward all at once.

— ryan sabalow and dale kasler, sacbee, "Southern California water agency backs off plan to finance both Delta tunnels | The Sacramento Bee," 2 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of forward

see ¹forward

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

forward Synonyms

Synonyms

ahead, along, forth, forwards, on, onward (also onwards);

Near Antonyms

back, backward (or backwards), behind, rearward (also rearwards);

forward

verb

transitive verb

1 : to help onward : promote

forwarded his friend's career

2 a : to send forward : transmit

will forward the goods on receipt of your check

b : to send or ship onward from an intermediate post or station in transit

forward mail

See forward defined for English-language learners

Examples of forward in a Sentence

Your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
Please forward my mail to my new address.

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

Once the investigation is complete, the case is expected to be forwarded to the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "Man killed by Belton police identified, allegedly threatened officers with knife | The Kansas City Star," 5 Apr. 2018
If the police department lawyer believes the money should be returned, the form is forwarded to the city’s finance department for a refund.

— luke broadwater, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore police seize millions in cash. Residents rarely get it back.," 30 Mar. 2018
Bowling had stayed in touch through the years, calling Bob Kiernan to forward requests that came across his desk about the car’s whereabouts—but never violating Bob Kiernan’s wish to keep its existence and location secret.

— rich ceppos, Car and Driver, "Steve McQueen's Bullitt-Movie Mustang Suddenly Reappeared: This Is How It Happened," 16 Mar. 2018
Cohen forwarded the email to his Gmail account, then sent it to Keith Davidson, who was Daniels' attorney at the time.

— michael finnegan, latimes.com, "Trump company email was used for Stormy Daniels hush-money payment," 10 Mar. 2018
President Trump nominated Bridenstine in September and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee narrowly voted in November to forward his name to the full Senate for approval.

— ledyard king, USA TODAY, "House lawmakers hammer Senate for not approving Trump's nominee to head NASA," 7 Mar. 2018
The City Council agreed to forward the issue to the council's Administration Committee for further discussion.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Future uncertain for 19th century jail in Yorkville," 5 Mar. 2018
But, Broome's 13 points Thursday were second to forward Kyle Washington (16) for the Bearcats.

— tom groeschen, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Bearcats: Takeaways from AAC title-sharing win at Tulane, Evans update," 2 Mar. 2018
Outside of Barr’s final bucket, the play of the game belonged to forward Lauren Lodge.

— chris melchiorre, Philly.com, "Erica Barr's buzzer beater lifts Shawnee girls over Bishop Eustace," 16 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of forward

see ¹forward

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1596

See Words from the same year

forward Synonyms

Synonyms

advance, cultivate, encourage, foster, further, incubate, nourish, nurse, nurture, promote;

Antonyms

discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit;

Near Antonyms

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prevent, prohibit, proscribe;

repress, snuff (out), squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress;

arrest, check, halt, retard;

encumber, fetter, hobble, impede, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle;

endow, finance, fund, patronize, stake, subsidize, underwrite;

abet, aid, assist;

advertise, boost, plug, publicize, tout;

agitate (for), campaign (for), work (for);

Synonym Discussion of forward

advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead. advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

- advance the cause of peace

promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

- a campaign to promote better health

forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

- a wage increase would forward productivity

further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

- used the marriage to further his career

forward

noun

: a player who plays at the front the team's formation near the opponent's goal

a forward in hockey

See forward defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

Riley Childs A future Boston University Terrier, the forward earned Tri-Valley League Small MVP honors as Medway (20-4) earned a spot in the Division 2 Central final.

— BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Girls' Basketball All-Scholastics," 9 Apr. 2018
For an exothermic reaction, which of the following best describes the effect of increasing the temperature on the forward and reverse reactions?

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "Tinley Park High School student is a champion for chemistry," 5 Apr. 2018
Solomon Hill isn't yet at full-go for the New Orleans Pelicans, but the forward showed encouraging signs in Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Solomon Hill 'slowly but surely' progressing back into Pelicans lineup," 28 Mar. 2018
However, Juve's interest has grown in recent times with regards to the forward and the Serie A holders want to prise Martial away from Old Trafford - despite the Premier League giants hoping to keep hold of the France international.

— SI.com, "Juventus Hold Meeting With Anthony Martial's Camp Over Possible Turin Transfer," 16 Mar. 2018
As usual, the flash forwards suggest heartbreak, doom, and death are ahead for season 3, which will likely premiere this fall.

— refinery29.com, "Everything The This Is Us Finale Could Be Teasing For Season 3," 14 Mar. 2018
But in large part because of injuries and suspensions to forwards and guards, A&M lost its first five games of league play, and wound up 9-9 against SEC competition.

— brent zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, "A&M’s Williams hopes to make mark in NCAA tourney," 13 Mar. 2018
Also chosen to the six-man first team were forwards Mikal Bridges of Villanova, Marcus Foster of Creighton and guard Shamorie Ponds of St. John’s.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "It's unanimous: Scoring champ Kelan Martin is All-Big East," 4 Mar. 2018
At 6-foot-3, Ameobi's frame is similar to other forwards Koch has recruited to play at Cincinnati, which is taller, bigger and someone who can hold the ball up for teammates to join an attack.

— charlie hatch, Cincinnati.com, "Before USL season, FC Cincinnati signs forward Tomi Ameobi from NASL's FC Edmonton," 21 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of forward

see ¹forward

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1879

See Words from the same year

FORWARD Defined for English Language Learners

forward

adjective

: near or belonging to the front part of something
: moving or directed ahead or toward the front
: moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition

forward

adverb

: toward the front : to or toward what is ahead or in front
: toward the future
: to or toward a more advanced state or condition

forward

verb

: to send (something you have received, such as a letter) to someone else
: to send (something that has arrived, such as a letter) to another place
: to help (something) make progress or continue to a more advanced state

forward

noun

sports : a player who plays near the opponent's goal

FORWARD Defined for Kids

forward

adjective for·ward \ ˈfȯr-wərd \

1 : near, at, or belonging to the front part

a ship's forward deck

2 : moving, tending, or leading to a position in front

He made a sudden forward movement.

3 : lacking proper modesty or reserve

forward

adverb

variants: or forwards \ˈfȯr-wərdz\

: to or toward what is in front

Everyone moved forward.

forward

verb

forwarded; forwarding

1 : to send on or ahead

forward a letter

2 : to help onward : advance

forward a cause

forward

noun

: a player at or near the front of his or her team or near the opponent's goal

Law Dictionary

forward

noun for·ward

: forward contract at contract

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See words that rhyme with forward Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for forward Spanish Central: Translation of forward Nglish: Translation of forward for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of forward for Arabic speakers

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Synonyms

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forward

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Origin and Etymology of forward

forward Synonyms

Synonyms

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Related Words

forward

Examples of forward in a Sentence

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

Origin and Etymology of forward

forward Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of forward

forward

Recent Examples of forward from the Web

Origin and Etymology of forward

FORWARD Defined for English Language Learners

forward

forward

forward

forward

FORWARD Defined for Kids

forward

forward

forward

forward

Law Dictionary

forward

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