toward

preposition

to·ward | \ ˈtō-ərd

, ˈtȯ(-ə)rd

variants: or towards \ ˈtō-ərd(z)

, ˈtȯ(-ə)rd(z) , tə-ˈwȯrd(z) , ˈtwȯrd(z) \

Definition of toward

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : in the direction of driving toward town

2a : along a course leading to a long stride toward disarmament

b : in relation to an attitude toward life

3a : at a point in the direction of : near a cottage somewhere up toward the lake

b : in such a position as to be in the direction of your back was toward me

4 : not long before toward the end of the afternoon

5a : in the way of help or assistance in did all he could toward raising campaign funds

b : for the partial payment of proceeds go toward the establishment of a scholarship

toward

adjective

to·ward | \ ˈtō-ərd

, ˈtȯ(-ə)rd

Definition of toward (Entry 2 of 2)

1 or less commonly towards \ ˈtō-ərdz , ˈtȯ(-ə)rdz \ [ Middle English towardes, from Old English tōweardes, preposition, toward, from tōweard, adjective ]

a : coming soon : imminent

b : happening at the moment : afoot

2a obsolete : quick to learn : apt

b : propitious, favoring a toward breeze

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about toward

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Examples of toward in a Sentence

Preposition

The bus is heading toward town. She took a step toward the door. They live out towards the edge of town. We're thinking of taking a vacation towards the end of the month. Efforts toward peace have been largely unsuccessful.

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

Together initiative, and links users in need with a member of its 1,000-person volunteer team to talk through the situation and work toward solutions. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Cambridges & Sussexes Launch Mental Health Texting Service Shout," 9 May 2019 Steam holes line both sides and the tip and deep channels help spread the steam toward the center and trap pockets of air for easy gliding over fabrics. — Sarah Bogdan, Good Housekeeping, "5 Best Cordless Irons to Buy in 2019, According to Cleaning Experts," 15 Feb. 2019 By contrast, King argues, the Wankel's eccentric rotors experience a force acting toward the center of the engine, and that can cause the apex seal to lift, resulting in gases leaking between chambers. — Matthew Jancer, Popular Mechanics, "The Rhombus Rotary Engine: Can a Quirky New Design Top the Famous Wankel?," 18 Jan. 2019 To maintain that smooth profile, the light at the edge of the lens has to bend itself toward the center. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Gas jets make beautiful lens for light we can’t normally focus," 21 Dec. 2018 This is a refreshing change of pace, and your thoughts will change from being about the philosophical aspects of your work toward a more practical application of your knowledge in the real world. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What April’s Cancer Horoscope Means for You," 31 Mar. 2019 Not surprisingly, some decide to pivot toward career philanthropy, Lakin says. — Marisa Meltzer, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Latest Travel Trend? Super Sabbaticals," 24 Dec. 2018 The orgasms were abundant but not that enjoyable, especially toward the end. — Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, "This Extra-Powerful Sex Toy Is Almost Too Good," 28 Mar. 2019 Streicher cut straight across from the center, so Moore's hair would be just a bit longer toward the front. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Mandy Moore Just Cut Her Hair Into a Super-Chic Wavy Bob," 8 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'toward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.