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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

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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as in withdrawn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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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
Hong, favoring a backward-facing view of the mayhem, shoots in lengthy takes that swerve and snake with rough-and-tumble precision; the energies of car and camera seem to fuse into one. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 There’s a whiff of the gothic on the streets around DDP, as well as plenty of matching sets and, interestingly, clothing worn backwards. — Young Chul Kim, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Razer claims the chair also adapts to both forward and backward motion. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 Despite being tightly controlled, technologically backward, and subject to crippling Western trade embargoes, the country has recorded year-on-year GDP growth of more than 3%, of which many advanced economies could only dream. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 25 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 withdrawn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
  • Bouwman went in to clear a bouncing ball with his head before Van Bommel jumped into the challenge and his back connected with force with the Netherlands youth international in the air.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boox teased the Picco, its take on the buzzy Xteink X4 e-reader, back in July, but provided almost no details.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • Our current architecture estimates suggest that separating deterministic execution from runtime intelligence could reduce expected token consumption by around 90% compared with initial approaches.
    — Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The courthouse sustained around $35,000 in damage and had to be closed for several days, according to the plea agreement.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • When Nebraska advanced to the 2024 Final Four and lost in a reverse sweep against Penn State, Murray was upset.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This is paired with 100W HyperCharge; Xiaomi says a 20-minute top-up provides enough juice for a full day, while 27W reverse charging lets the phone double as a small emergency power bank.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 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
  • Suzuki played the 13th-most long passes of any player in Serie A, contributing to his overall pass accuracy being down at 62 per cent.
    — Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Those statues peering down from surrounding buildings seem to nod their approval.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 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
  • The Bears beat Carolina 59-37, falling three points shy of tying Atlanta’s 53-year-old record for the most in Week 1.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The smart kids, the shy ones, the jokers and the loners — every one of them is caught in the pyroclastic flow of adolescence, every minute a negotiation between fitting in and standing out.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of shy

Browse Nearby Words

backups
backward
backward-looking
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Cite this Entry

“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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