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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in astern
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
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
-
The third salon, secluded in the boutique’s rear corner, offers a personalized experience for top clients.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Police reported that Zagorac touched the student’s rear, put his hand under his shirt and rubbed his back and fondled him outside his clothing after calling him up to the teacher’s desk to talk about an assignment.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Manuals have been updated to direct members of ICE Watch patrols to avoid direct confrontation with law enforcement authorities, but the back-room message has been to instigate confrontations that can then be filmed and turned into propaganda for the effort.—
Asra Q. Nomani , Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Located in the 150-year-old Brockmann-Kiehne house on the back side of the boutique Albert Hotel — opened by Austin company New Waterloo at the beginning of 2025 — the restaurant is a standalone culinary offering.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Royal’s infamous no-look pass that went straight behind for a goal kick might have given McIntyre some material for one of his stand-up gigs, but the comedian has largely eschewed football in his routines over the years.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Liev Schreiber Sure, this sequel film following Jesse Pinkman's struggle to leave his criminal past behind (after escaping those neo-Nazis in the Breaking Bad finale) might be little more than another few episodes of the hit series.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The service Service here is top notch, with the front desk and concierge bending over backwards to make guests happy.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
-
All that progress rolls backward if males can take spots on both men’s and women’s teams; this torpedoes Title IX and hijacks women’s sports.—
Alanna Smith,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
