outward

1 of 3

adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

1

: moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center

an outward flow

2

a

: situated on the outside : exterior

b

: able to be seen

outward beauty

no outward evidence of injury

3

: of or relating to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life

Their marriage was still quite normal to/by/from all outward appearances.

4

: external

outward

2 of 3

adverb

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

variants or outwards

ˈau̇t-wərdz 

1

: toward the outside

2

obsolete : on the outside : externally

outward

3 of 3

noun

: external form, appearance, or reality

Synonyms of outward

Adjective

• outer
• exterior

Noun

• face
• appearance
• effect
• impression
• seeming
• semblance

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

Adjective

Through his research, Mathias has found that the AIDS epidemic of the ‘80s and early ‘90s prompted more formal community organizing and, in turn, more outward recognition. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

Other factors driving the outward push The price of a basket of typical goods and services in California from 2016 to 2025 is up about 38%, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Adverb

Then an instrument on the lander will beam lasers outward to the rovers to compare their distances with microscopic precision. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026

Typhus can be distinguished from other fevers by a combination of high fever, severe headache, and a rash that begins on the trunk and spreads outward, typically sparing the face, palms, and soles, the Cleveland Clinic said. —Don Sweeney april 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Noun

In IconArrows pointing outwards Getty Images But a White House official told CNBC on Monday morning that Trump has not backed that idea, and Iran has explicitly rejected any temporary ceasefire, calling instead for a deal to end the war permanently. —Kevin Breuninger,megan Cassella, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026

As fuel supplies, shipping routes and markets are disrupted, the effects ripple outwards, increasing hunger risks well beyond the region. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing outward

• outward-bound
• outward looking
• to/by all (outward) appearances

Kids Definition

outward

1 of 2 adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

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

-wərdz 

: toward the outside

the city stretches outward for miles

fold it outward