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

Officials speculated that prompt outbreak responses kept the MRSA strain from moving onward in families and the community. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

If the road or trail should narrow too much for the eActros motorhome to continue onward, Wagner can always hop out and saddle up on the accompanying 67-hp WN7. — New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Traditionally, a cargo consignment from Chennai to Frankfurt would need to be unpacked at Delhi Airport, with each individual package undergoing the security re-screening before being loaded onto an onward flight to Frankfurt. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Deportees are typically offered food and some money for their onward travel, as well as a place to stay for a few nights and assistance in locating family members. — Etant Dupain, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 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