variants
or backwards
1
as in back
toward the rear
looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in around
toward the opposite direction
the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backward
Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Jan. 2026
As another legislative session begins Tuesday, the mind reels backward to past years and the many controversies that have defined and reshaped the state’s politics.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
The discovery team inferred the planet's presence using the Very Large Telescope in Chile, after detecting an unusual backward wobble in the brown dwarfs' orbits.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Reverse the motion and circle your arms backward for 30 seconds.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Jan. 2026
As another legislative session begins Tuesday, the mind reels backward to past years and the many controversies that have defined and reshaped the state’s politics.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
After Lucas Carneiro booted a 47-yard field goal to put Ole Miss up 37-34 with six seconds to play, Georgia’s Landon Roldan fielded the Rebels’ kickoff in the end zone, ran a few yards and threw a backward pass to no one in particular.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
The discovery team inferred the planet's presence using the Very Large Telescope in Chile, after detecting an unusual backward wobble in the brown dwarfs' orbits.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
School officials said the bus was transporting third-grade students back from a school trip to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City when the incident occurred.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Playing Queen Charlotte brought her presence back to film following the height of her television fame with Prime Suspect.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
How to create opportunities for himself, say, or how much to carry the puck without Marner there lugging it around — little things like that.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Gavilan is from Buffalo, Minnesota, about an hour outside of Minneapolis, and around seven and a half hours away from Lawrence.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Shanahan called for a reverse pass from Jauan Jennings to an open Christian McCaffrey, who tracked the pass and made a difficult over-the-shoulder catch for a 29-yard touchdown.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Prettygarden Oversized Lantern-Sleeve Cardigan This supremely fuzzy oversized cardigan features outfit-elevating lantern sleeves and cool-looking reverse seams that run along the shoulders and arms.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adverb
-
Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
6 Nov. 2025
-
When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Their drive extended when Jalen Hurts found Dallas Geodert to convert a fourth down for the third time on the day.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
By the end of the year, the Gallup Economic Confidence Index, which measures views of the economy and its future, stood at a whopping negative 33, down nearly 20 points since spring.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The couple — who are now one of the most watched of the season thanks to their double awards show appearances — were not shy about hiding their romance amidst the stars at the 2026 Golden Globes.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Philadelphia had 22 turnovers, one shy of matching a season-high.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
And the world goes round… News round-up Injuries are biting Manchester City’s back line.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Native to Mexico and Central America, poinsettias grow perennially in warm climates and can be kept outdoors year round in USDA growing zones 9 through 11.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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