Definition of upward
1a : in a direction from lower to higher the kite rose upwardb (1) : toward the source (as of a river) (2) : toward the interior (as of a region)c : in a higher position held out his hand, palm upwardd : in the upper parts : toward the head : above from the waist upward
2 : toward a higher or better condition or level young lawyers moving upward
3a : to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank from $5 upwardb : toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate attendance figures have risen upward
4 : toward or into later years from youth upward
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Examples of upward in a Sentence
The road gradually rose upward.
She directed my gaze upward.
They are moving upward socially and economically.
moving upward in the corporate world
First Known Use of upward
before 12th century
upward
Definition of upward
1 : directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
2 : rising to a higher pitch
upwardly
adverbupwardness
nounExamples of upward in a Sentence
an upward revision of the vote tally
Recent Examples of upward from the Web
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Always prone to mood swings, and especially to fits of depression, Russell maintained his upward climb through medication, therapy and sobriety.
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Which is to say: The fate of the GOP agenda once again rides on the House’s far-right faction not letting the perfect be the enemy of upward redistribution — and its more moderate members agreeing to take their medicine.
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That’s not to say everything is on an upward trajectory for the hospital.
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Retail sales decreased last month by the most since the start of 2016, according to the Commerce Department, though upward revisions to some figures mitigated the disappointment.
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When a company is underperforming, directors are quick to make upward adjustments that increase earnings per share.
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B. From this hover position, slide upper body through arms and lift chest up into an upward dog position with toes untucked.
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Surrounded by imposing Las Vegas hotel-casinos in the foreground and desert mountains in the background, the group breathed deeply and loudly as an instructor guided them through their poses: upward dog, downward dog, lord of the dance.
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His insight into the hard facts of upward mobility--and the loss of the American dream for many--is a must-read.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'upward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of upward
15th century
UPWARD Defined for English Language Learners
upward
playDefinition of upward for English Language Learners
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: from a lower place or level to a higher place or level
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: toward the ceiling, sky, etc.
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: toward a higher or better condition or position
upward
Definition of upward for English Language Learners
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: moving or going from a lower place or level to a higher place or level
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: moving or going toward the ceiling, sky, etc.
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: changing to a larger amount or higher number
UPWARD Defined for Kids
upwards
\-wərdz\Definition of upward for Students
1 : in a direction from lower to higher The balloon floated upward.
2 : toward a higher or better state
3 : toward a greater amount or a higher number or rate
4 : toward the head From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's … — C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Definition of upward for Students
: turned toward or being in a higher place or level an upward gaze an upward movement of prices
upwardly
adverbLearn More about upward
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Spanish Central: Translation of upward Nglish: Translation of upward for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of upward for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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