Thesaurus
variants:
or backwards
Synonyms & Antonyms of backward
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
toward the rear
- looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance
Synonyms for backward
Words Related to backward
- anticlockwise
- [chiefly British],
- counterclockwise,
- left-handed,
- left-handedly,
- retrograde,
- reversely,
- widdershins
- (also withershins)
Near Antonyms for backward
Antonyms for backward
2
toward the opposite direction
- the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening
Synonyms for backward
Words Related to backward
- across,
- athwart,
- counter,
- counterclockwise,
- widdershins
- (also withershins)
Near Antonyms for backward
backward
adjectiveSynonyms & Antonyms of backward (Entry 2 of 2)
1
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 for backward
Words Related to backward
Near Antonyms for backward
2
not comfortable around people
- curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts
Synonyms for backward
Words Related to backward
Near Antonyms for backward
- boon,
- clubbable
- (also clubable),
- companionable,
- convivial,
- gregarious,
- sociable,
- social
Antonyms for backward
- extroverted
- (also extraverted),
- immodest,
- outgoing
Learn More About backward
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 7 Aug. 2022.
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Time Traveler for backward
The first known use of backward was in the 14th century
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