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
The project will include a new grand entrance along with an attractive streetscape showcasing outward facing shops, restaurants, entertainment and service uses with openings beginning in 2026. Footwear News, 19 May 2025 Crafted with 70 percent linen and 30 percent cotton spun from French flax, the curtains’ outward facing panel appears light and airy, while the opposite side has a blackout liner. Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 May 2025
Adverb
Be There For Someone Else Instead of hunkering down, shift your focus outward. Dr. Rina Koshkina, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Electrical fields then propel that ionized gas outward, generating thrust. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
Each data center is represented as a point, and groups of points have been expanded outwards to avoid overlaps and show where there's large numbers of data centers. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025 Aurora, on the other hand, was built for looking outwards. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outward. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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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