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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
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 exterior is also home to a decal that runs along the lower doors and beneath the rear wing, which features a colorful geometric pattern inspired by Bedouin wool weaving.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 May 2026
  • The slippery aero design also includes venturi flow elements built into the underbody, as well as an active rear diffuser and active front louvers to direct air into the large front fascia.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 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
  • Qassem and Hanan drove from one hospital to another, trying to find Malak, while Ali stayed behind and kept looking for Zahra.
    Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • Brady House and Robert Hassell III were close behind.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Adverb
  • In other words, this is basically a demonic-possession story, albeit one without any actual demons; at one point, Nikki briefly starts moving backward for no reason.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026
  • All else being equal, the chance of tunneling forward is the same as tunneling backward because the overlap between the modes is symmetrical.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aft

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster