on 1 of 3

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 onwards
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 forward
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
When New Jersey suddenly came down hard on business, neighbouring Delaware decided to rewrite its rulebook to scoop up companies fleeing the state. Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 Reuters — Two top Chinese military leaders have been expelled from the ruling Communist Party and the military on corruption charges, the country’s defense ministry said on Friday, the most senior officers to be purged in an anti-graft drive that began in 2023. CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn't seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height. Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025 Vendors will be on site and a fly tying demonstration by local guide Brian Wise will take place. Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • The district attorney's office is now pursuing two lesser charges against him — vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse/endangerment under circumstances or conditions likely to cause GBI or death — per the district attorney's news release.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Erin Simkin—Netflix Advertisement Likability can be a cudgel against female characters, and, thanks to Girls, Konner is used to dealing with questions on that subject.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Its compact design allows it to be airlifted or sling-loaded, enabling rapid deployment to forward or remote locations.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Mel Brooks’ best comedy shares many similarities with his other revered films – a strong grip of genre beats, a non-stop barrage of gags yanking us forward, and an eagerness to give every performer a chance to comedically shine.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Preposition
  • Navigating the world of priming serums can be a slippery slope due to heavy formulas and glitter-like ingredients that clump upon application.
    Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Garcia joined forces with other parents who have been affected by AI companions to call upon tech companies to implement stronger safeguards to protect minors.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Griffin and Pelinka spent a few weeks going back and forth.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Alvarez spent the day going back and forth on whether to mention the live photo.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Follow along below for live updates from The Star from the ground at Mill Creek Park.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But in the end, the machine that keeps the powerful in power continues chugging along, and those who have been wronged have little recourse.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The operational side is so key.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Equipped with advanced turboshaft engines, high-efficiency rotor systems, and anti-icing technology, the military variants of the Z-20 are built for demanding operational conditions.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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