aft 1 of 2

Definition of aftnext
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 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

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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
  • Behind the seat is a large rear mesh pocket for stashing smaller items like water bottles or books.
    Erica Zazo, Outside, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Louis saw muzzle flashes and the truck’s rear windshield exploded.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That includes Wolves, whose form has picked up considerably under Rob Edwards — only one win but a series of draws, typified by that dramatic fightback at home to Arsenal on Wednesday — so there’s a temptation to go with form here and back Wolves to get a result.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Open shelving highlights the back wall of the space, maintaining the visual footprint without sacrificing storage.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Kiswani noted that outlets such as the New York Post have written about New Yorkers' complaints about the uptick in dog poop being left behind.
    MARIANA ALFARO THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Times reported in December how Edison fell behind in maintenance of its transmission system before the fire.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • That said, too many Republicans in Austin are focused on hyper-partisan and social issues that take our state backwards and come at the expense of the serious issues the Legislature should focus on.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Buzelis was still suspended midair when Collin Sexton backpedaled underneath the forward, knocking his legs backward to send the younger player crashing to the floor, stomach-first.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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