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

In practice, the Mughals in India, from the 15th century onward, had a rich tradition of landscaping and building waterfront and palace gardens, modeling themselves after heavenly authority and their cities after the heavenly garden. — Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026

As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface, blue light is scattered away while red wavelengths continue onward, bathing the moon in pinkish, copper and crimson tones. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Adjective

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

From infancy onward interactions between intestinal microbes and immune cells help the body distinguish harmless microorganisms from disease-causing pathogens and regulate inflammatory responses. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 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