onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
Synonyms of onwardnext
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
The final postseason for the conference as currently constructed was a downer from the first half of Boise State’s blowout defeat to Washington (in the LA Bowl) onward. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 Surgeons generally accept patients from age 18 onward, once facial growth is complete, with no strict upper age limit provided overall health is suitable. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Travel tips to Japan U.S. citizens with a valid passport and return or onward flight don't need a visa for visits to Japan for up to 90 days. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025 Ethiopian Airlines also serves Beira for onward hops. Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onward was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onward. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb
on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants also onwards
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on onward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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