rearward

1 of 3

noun

rear·​ward ˈrir-ˌwȯrd 

: rear

especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward

2 of 3

adjective

rear·​ward ˈrir-wərd 

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 

variants or less commonly rearwards

ˈrir-wərdz 

: at, near, or toward the rear : backward

looking rearward

Synonyms

Adjective

• rear
• back

Adverb

• backwards
• backward
• back

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

The top of the Kitchen Cruiser lifts up and rearward to serve as a shelf or extra worktop, exposing the 2.2-kW LPG stove that's included with the kit. —New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2024

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

Adjective

Whether the compartment is in forward or rearward position, the bathroom floor remains clear and open. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault. —Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025

Adverb

When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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

Kids Definition

rearward

1 of 2 adjective

rear·​ward ˈri(ə)r-wərd 

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