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

• ahead
• forth
• forward
• on

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

Wednesday onward should be dry and sunny, and temperatures will rise through the week, reaching the mid- to upper-90s over the weekend. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025

From August 2024 onward, Glamel still handles distribution of DVF product in the Greater China region. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 9 May 2025

Adjective

Travelers who leave the main airport building for any reason or need to collect their bags and check them in for an onward flight will pass through border control. —Michelle Baran, AFAR Media, 13 Mar. 2025

When the Cold War abruptly ended with the collapse of first the Soviet empire in Europe and then the Soviet Union itself, the world looked set for greater cooperation, and perhaps even the onward march of democracy. —Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 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