onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : 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
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
Most analysts agree that Michael Misa, C, will be the No. 2 overall selection, but from pick No. 3 onward, mock drafts diverge sharply. Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Given this recent double top breakout, combined with improving volume and relative strength characteristics, Royal Caribbean appears to be sailing onward and ever upward. David Keller, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Adjective
Access to sensitive data and onward lateral movement to other cloud services beyond the original intrusion for the UNC67040 hackers. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 Their budgets, staffing numbers, promotions and onward assignments are all controlled by their home agency, not the State Department or the ambassador. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 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 3 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!