Synonyms of backward

backward 1 of 2

adverb

ˈbak-wərd 

variants or backwards

1

as in back

toward the rear

looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• back
• rearward
• astern
• reversely
• counterclockwise
• widdershins
• anticlockwise
• retrograde
• left-handed
• sternforemost
• left-handedly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forward
• forth
• ahead
• along
• on
• forwards
• before
• onward

2

as in around

toward the opposite direction

the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• around
• back
• down
• round
• downward
• about
• behind
• rearward
• reversely
• across
• counterclockwise
• counter
• athwart
• widdershins
• obversely

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• clockwise
• deasil

backward

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in reverse

directed, turned, or done toward the back

a backward turn on ice skates is hard to learn because you can't see where you're going

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reverse
• reversed
• hind
• retrograde
• rearward
• rear
• posterior
• aft
• after
• astern
• sternforemost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forward

2

as in withdrawn

not comfortable around people

curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawn
• shy
• lone
• diffident
• sheepish
• bashful
• modest
• retiring
• recessive
• coy
• introverted
• awkward
• demure
• embarrassed
• self-effacing
• reserved
• antisocial
• unsociable
• unsocial
• uneasy
• unenterprising
• lone-wolf
• unassertive
• unadventurous
• inhibited
• uptight
• self-conscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outgoing
• social
• immodest
• extroverted
• gregarious
• convivial
• forward
• companionable
• sociable
• boon
• forceful
• bold
• dashing
• uninhibited
• clubbable
• unreserved
• brash
• overbold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backward

Adverb

Quarterback race reverses The backup quarterback situation went backward. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

That distinction matters now because some policymakers and advocates are moving backward, especially in math. — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Reacher explodes into action, kicking over a table, executing a backward roll into the guy behind him while handcuffed, then redirecting that guy’s tranq gun against the other Men in Black. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026

Passkey architects have been keenly aware of this difference, which is largely necessary for Windows backward-compatibility reasons. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026