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backward 1 of 2

adverb

ˈbak-wərd How to pronounce backward (audio)
variants or backwards
Definition of backwardnext
1
as in back
toward the rear looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in around
toward the opposite direction the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts

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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 backward
Adverb
In any case, Babcock is now tasked with rejuvenating a team that took a massive step backward last season and only shuffled a few pieces during the offseason. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The Saints also appeared to have scored a defensive touchdown when edge rusher Chase Young hit Lions QB Jared Goff hard from behind, sending the ball flaying backward toward the Detroit goal line. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Onstage at this diverse block party of young and old in Malcolm X shirts and backward Jamaican flag hats, Elsesser bobs his head as if lost in thought. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Razer claims the chair also adapts to both forward and backward motion. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
  1. back
  2. around
  3. reverse
  4. withdrawn
  5. rearward
  6. down
  7. reversed
  8. shy
Adverb
  • For multi-generation families that want to stay together, Benton Cottage offers the perfect base, containing four bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and enclosed back yard.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • More Just last year, individual senators used their powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to vote to block earlier Canada tariffs, but there’s no such option this time around.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Even though Douglas was moving around easily after the game, teams typically don’t know the seriousness of injuries until the player undergoes an MRI a day or two after suffering the injury.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • Doubles and reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday in the best-of-five match series.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The metallic strands were dispersed delicately through her longer layers and concentrated towards the back of the crown, creating something of a reverse halo effect.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of reverse
Adjective
  • In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn
Adverb
  • The floor plan centers around a single- or dual-seat lounge that faces rearward to provide views through the open entryway.
    — C.C. Weiss May 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2026
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of rearward
Adverb
  • Between 26 and 35 vessels per day have transited this week, down from the 35 to 40 daily average of the prior eight weeks, according to Dimitris Ampatzidis, maritime risk and compliance manager at Kpler.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Larsen, a wide receiver and safety, delivered with an impressive 10-yard touchdown catch on fourth down in the left corner of the end zone to cut the deficit to 14-9 in the fourth.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • It’s not yet confirmed if the reversed look that was seen initially will be released at retail.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
  • As the number of reversed-conviction lawsuits exploded over the past decade, the city spread most of the work around a dozen firms, who deployed more than 200 attorneys in all plus another 200-plus support staffers.
    — Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of reversed
Adjective
  • Small, shy and clad head-to-claw in black, New Zealand’s karure, or black robin, has been crowned the country’s 2026 Bird of the Year.
    — Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
  • School District 57 in Mount Prospect requested $20 million and got back just shy of $6 million.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of shy

Browse Nearby Words

backups
backward
backward-looking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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