rearward

1 of 3

noun

rear·​ward ˈrir-ˌwȯrd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
: rear
especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward

2 of 3

adjective

rear·​ward ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
1
: located at, near, or toward the rear
2
: directed toward the rear
a rearward glance

rearward

3 of 3

adverb

rear·​ward ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
variants or less commonly rearwards
: at, near, or toward the rear : backward
looking rearward

Examples of rearward in a Sentence

Adjective the rearward section of the store got rearward quarters aboard the ship Adverb turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
By rebalancing weight rearward, the new design allows the Stingray to put almost preposterous power to the pavement without sacrificing the comfort and everyday drivability that buyers demand. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Mar. 2020 To get the shape just right, Mansory stripped the chassis down completely, removed all four of the standard doors, shifted the B-pillar rearward to make room for the new set and moved the hinges back a pillar. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023 But the proportions have the classic long-hood, cab-rearward look. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022 The Urus's eight-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for Performante duty, and the all-wheel-drive system gets a different center differential that sends more torque rearward. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022 Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022 This includes a front seating space capable of switching between a typical forward-facing position or a more sociable, but also potentially more nauseating, rearward-facing position that allows front and rear passengers to face one another. Greg Fink, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022 In a time when many EVs are shifting to cab-forward designs, Cadillac kept a strong cab-rearward stance with the Celestiq—think muscular rear haunches—with a fastback glass roof that evokes shades of a modern Porsche 928. Laura Burstein, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2022 Saab played with a cab-rearward layout like a sports car but kept the footprint of a front-wheel-drive family sedan. Clifford Atiyeh, Car and Driver, 14 May 2022
Adjective
Among advanced automotive safety systems, reverse cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency braking is designed to help prevent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in its rearward path it while backing out of a garage, driveway or parking space. Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 And the cab is pushed as far rearward as possible, giving the car a more athletic stance. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2024 These standards include warning labels, three-point restraint systems, and rearward stability. Jessica Booth, Parents, 15 Sep. 2023 The biggest differentiator comes when glancing through the rearview mirror, as all that style out back comes at the expense of rearward visibility. Andrew Krok, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023 While Russian soldiers directed artillery from rearward positions, many frontline fighters were said to be local separatists; among the civilians who refused to leave Lysychansk, there were probably some who believed that Russian authority would improve their circumstances. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 23 July 2022 Though the hybrid hatchback's low-slung styling cuts into interior space and hurts rearward visibility, the latest Prius is, for the most part, vastly improves upon its predecessor. Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 19 Feb. 2023 The generous expanse of glass area does wonders for rearward vision; all-around visibility is comparable to a normal front-engined car. Car and Driver, 27 Jan. 2023 If carrying on or behind the hip, use your support hand to lift your garment in an upward motion, and use your firing hand to begin sweeping your clothing in a rearward movement, completely exposing your holstered firearm. Chris Mudgett, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2020
Adverb
The toe-control link is critical to achieving this, especially since the bushings allow the wheels to move rearward slightly to help absorb small, sharp bumps. Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 The interior is spacious considering the low-slung body, with loads of room for the seats to recline rearward since there is no engine taking up space behind the driver. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 15 June 2023 Power is sent rearward to a 4.11:1 Positraction rear axle. Brendan McAleer, Car and Driver, 14 June 2023 The trailing edge of the roofline, which extends rearward jutting out from the body, constitutes the biggest design flourish, but that oddity is only discernible from the rear. Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 13 Mar. 2023 Look up at the rear view mirror and the view rearward is roughly comparable to looking through a mail slot but with rear headrests blocking even much of that vestigial view. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2023 The center console deploys rearward to dispatch two cup holders for second-row passengers. Mike Austin, Car and Driver, 15 Apr. 2023 Plus, the Performante alone has a steel-spring suspension and a different center differential that sends more torque rearward than normal. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 21 Mar. 2023 In either scenario, weight is shifted rearward and over the drive wheels, which enables superior traction, thus making the self-propel more effective. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 21 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rearward.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French rereguard, rerewarde rear guard

Adjective

rear entry 2 + -ward

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rearward was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rearward

Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rearward. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rearward

1 of 2 adjective
rear·​ward ˈri(ə)r-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
1
: located at, near, or toward the rear
2
: directed toward the rear : backward
rearwardly adverb

rearward

2 of 2 adverb
variants also rearwards
-wərdz
: at, near, or toward the rear : backward

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