aft 1 of 2

as in rear
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part the aft part of the cruise ship turned out to be the quieter section

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aft

2 of 2

adverb

as in backwards
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft we stood on the ship's deck facing aft the flight attendant informed us that the plane's exits are located fore and aft

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of aft
Adjective
At the opposite end, the aft cockpit is perfect for alfresco dining or lounging. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2023 In the immediate aftermath, Russian flight controllers attempted to use the European robotic arm, attached to the Russian segment of the station, to observe the aft end of the Soyuz where the leak occurred. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 16 Dec. 2022
Adverb
Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits. David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024 Open exterior decks forward and aft allow for a steady sea breeze, as the owner—who was last aboard his yacht in the summer of 2021—used to regularly enjoy. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for aft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aft
Adjective
  • This comes after Williams suffered a car fire when Alex Albon’s machine was affected by a rear-brake issue.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The rear seat accommodates five, comfortable for four adults.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Giants started the year strong and looked to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres for the division crown, but would collapse in the back half of the season and miss out on the playoffs entirely, ending 81-81.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Hall allegedly punched the back door to enter his in-laws' home, where his estranged wife was staying with their children, WPXI and the Observer-Reporter reported, citing accounts from witnesses and authorities.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Christopher Bell, is one place behind in fifth.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • As Black women mourn her loss and grapple with the realities of a capitalist system that devalues our lives and labor, we are comforted by the legacy Assata Shakur leaves behind.
    Essence, Essence, 30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Video shows the two appear to have an interaction back at the driver's side door after Sanchez follows the man, who is seen walking backwards away from him.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Security footage then showed the driver walking backward away from the former quarterback, who followed him, the Indy Star reported.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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