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

Odetta led current drama series, overseeing shows from season two onward. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Where Crystal Symphony Sails The ship is sailing to Alaska in the summer of 2026 before moving onward to Canada, New England, and the Caribbean. — Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Adjective

Other passengers were later transferred to another flight for their onward journey, according to a statement from Ryanair. — Chris Liakos, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Alternatively, there is Dublin and Shannon with onward connections via Aer Lingus, and there’s London. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 23 June 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