on 1 of 3

Definition of onnext
1
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in forward
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in along
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

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 on
Preposition
The aqueous action scenes — cascades of water swirling around aerial charges — should play out nicely on the big screen during the film’s theatrical release. Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026 Infantino has not wavered on Iran’s participation in the World Cup or in its matches in the United States. Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Still, momentum is clearly on Philadelphia’s side. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Meanwhile, Iran Air will restart its scheduled domestic flights on the Tehran-Mashhad-Tehran route starting tomorrow as well, according to the semiofficial Mehr news agency. Sarah Dean, NBC news, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • As the Moon moves into Capricorn and your 9th House of Perspective, your focus shifts toward long-term direction and what actually makes sense moving forward.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • The attack, which left 15 dead at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, fueled calls for tougher gun controls and more action to tackle hatred towards Jews and followed ​a spate of antisemitic incidents in Australia.
    Reuters, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Preposition
  • The evidence relating to these crimes was of special interest, given that Kirwan’s murder and Gately’s surveillance are also part of the charge against Kinahan.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • On a cool Wednesday night outside Wintrust Arena, the air had a different feel upon entry to the venue for the Chicago Sky’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Be honest about your priorities, adjust what doesn’t fit, and move forward with a plan that everyone can actually follow without confusion or misalignment later.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • The 6-foot-9 Petrovic is a versatile forward able to shoot from the outside, operate inside and distribute the ball to teammates.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Adverb
  • The anti-vaccine rhetoric, and the efforts to revise laws and regulations, rumbled along at the state health department, and in the legislature.
    Kerry Sheridan, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Experts have noted that handbag placement can cue royal protection teams to move a principal along, adjust spacing or wrap up an appearance, all without creating a scene.
    Terry Moseley, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
    Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Preposition
  • Vietnamese airlines are planning to significantly reduce flights and scale back operations next month due to the high costs brought upon by the conflict, as well as potential jet fuel shortages.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Because there is not yet a clear and agreed-upon way to measure this, nurses and hospital leadership – who view the problem from their distinct positions – often disagree on what safe staffing actually looks like, which can lead to conflict.
    Anna Mayo, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • In Florida alone, he was transferred more than a dozen times, going back and forth among detention centers in South Florida, Orlando and North Florida, including a stop at the controversial Everglades facility, Alligator Alcatraz.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This final season has gone back and forth, introducing a virus that could kill all the supes and then destroying the Boys’ cache of it, then introducing a Vought formula that makes supes immortal and giving it to Homelander.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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