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
In blending creativity with community, and in each collection and cause, Scott is passing her Texas spirit onward. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025 In practicality, Schneider may be right that things could have flipped from that moment onward. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Though using public transportation jives with the country’s Swisstainable initiative, which encourages visitors to get around without a car, Gambarogno is a bit harder to navigate as trains only run to Cadenazzo station, necessitating onward travel by bus. Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025 That caveat leaves open the possibility that very mild or asymptomatic infections could have been missed, though no evidence points to onward spread. John Drake, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 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
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