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
-
With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror and the playoffs beginning to enter the conversation, this Week 12 matchup against a 2025 playoff team will be an important measuring stick in front of a national television audience.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Reeves also posted a GIF of Johansson looking in a car’s rear-view mirror.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Assaulted by the two tests, most of the home’s single-stack, gravity-supporting bricks, along with the front and back windows, caved in and blew out.—
Alexandra Phelps,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
-
After that, Mars dove deep into his back catalog for what’s likely to be one of the most exhilarating stretches of any large-scale concert in town this year (or next).—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2026
Adverb
-
Because it is viewed as a winner-take-all technology, firms are investing at extraordinary levels to avoid falling behind, crowding out investment in housing, manufacturing and other infrastructure.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
On the wall behind was the shrine’s central altar, bronze doors open on either side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adverb
-
To this day, Freeman cannot bring himself to wear his cap backward.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
Massachusetts residents are tired of watching politicians bend over backwards for every political agenda imaginable while our own citizens, especially our veterans, are treated like an afterthought.—
Anne Brensley,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
