outward

1 of 3

adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd How to pronounce outward (audio)
1
: moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center
an outward flow
2
: situated on the outside : exterior
3
: of or relating to the body or to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life
outward beauty
4

outward

2 of 3

adverb

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd How to pronounce outward (audio)
variants or outwards
1
: toward the outside
2
obsolete : on the outside : externally

outward

3 of 3

noun

: external form, appearance, or reality

Examples of outward in a Sentence

Adjective They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid. She was waiting for some outward expression of his love. To all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal. outward symptoms of the disease The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly. He made a slight outward movement with his right hand. Adverb The window faces outward toward the street. Stand with your heels together, toes pointing outward. air flowing outwards from the lungs Noun never was there in a man such a fine, heroic outward and such a cowardly interior
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.
Adjective
Throughout it all, there was never any doubt about Soto’s effort, and that outward appearance lifted everyone around him. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 16 Nov. 2024 This may have something to do with your career or outward expression. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024
Adverb
This map shows that while the plasma on the surface of the sun generally rotates with the sun's overall spin around its axis, it is pushed outward around the sunspots. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, historic downtowns in Central Texas cities like Lockhart and Taylor are being revitalized as Austin expands outward. Nicole Cobler, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
The armrest pads slide back and forth and can pivot to make adjustments inwards or outwards, plus the armrest height is adjustable with a button located on the underside. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024 Here’s something that borders on miraculous but that scientists in California confirm: The heart emits a magnetic field expanding outward in all directions and returning to the chest in a donut shape. Heather Lanier, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for outward 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outward was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near outward

Cite this Entry

“Outward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outward. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

outward

1 of 2 adjective
out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd How to pronounce outward (audio)
1
: moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center
an outward flow
2
: showing on the outside
outward signs of fear

outward

2 of 2 adverb
variants or outwards
: toward the outside
the city stretches outward for miles
fold it outward

More from Merriam-Webster on outward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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