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

For Azerbaijan, a major producer of oil and gas, the route also provides a more direct link to Turkey and onward to Europe. —Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025

Born from 1997 onward, Gen Z is coming of age in a world where traditional milestones like landing a lifelong job, buying a house in your 20s, or chasing wealth for its own sake have become difficult, or borderline impossible, in the modern economy. —Adam Erace, Fortune, 27 July 2025

Adjective

In addition to linking New Zealand with the Middle East, this route offers easy onward connections to Europe, Africa, and Asia via Qatar Airways' hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. 10. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025

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

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