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

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

With Dexter continuing onward these 19 years later, Dexter: Resurrection (which is now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime) effectively blends the return of original characters from Dexter’s past, while adding in fresh characters that bring this captivating world to even greater heights. —Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

From the 1990s onward, governments increasingly relied on NGOs such as CARE International and Mercy Corps to deliver foreign aid. —Sarah Bush, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 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

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