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
-
Byfield heaved a backhanded centering pass to the rear post for a redirection by Moore, the Kings’ first goal of the playoffs from someone other than Panarin.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The asbestos removal work will be done on the rear portion of the data center property on Windsor Street, once a parking lot.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s what the Giants did last year, trading up to the back half of the first round in exchange for a second-round pick and two thirds (one in 2025 and one in 2026).—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
All that tinkering did not yield clean sheets; nor did the occasional switches to a back five, against Arsenal in the League Cup, Wrexham in the FA Cup and at Brighton in the league.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Linebacker Josiah Trotter isn’t far behind; he is seen as a Day 2 pick, primarily in the second round.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
-
City leaders believe the damage left behind should not fall on local taxpayers.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
In a famous 1983 episode written by Norman Stiles, the human cast member Gordon comes upon Big Bird walking backward with his head between his knees, looking pleased with this new perspective.—
Jean Garnett,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The overwhelming vote represented a major step forward in a conversation that has frequently stepped sideways, or even backwards.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aft. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
