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as in withdrawn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• withdrawn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

A throw toward the center and then, at times, a lateral backwards to create discord among the secondaries and then race downfield. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 4 Nov. 2026

The Golden State Warriors’ center stepped on Vanderbilt’s foot and the Lakers’ forward fell backward. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Adjective

BodyEnergy introduced a new version of its motorless flat treadmill with Ab-drive, featuring a front abdominal roller that enables natural backward stride propulsion to biomechanically mimic running outdoors. — Time Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis called the Week 4 loss a backward step. — Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026