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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as in withdrawn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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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
Raine fortunately landed flush on her buttocks, rather than on bone, and got up, leaving the Saloon without a backwards glance. — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026 For Wilmot, the worst moment occurred when Sleepy stumbled to the edge of a huge chasm in the mine, turned and began to fall backward to his death. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
There are several clips of him striking blockers, knocking people backward and disengaging from blocks. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 The mechanical trick Draco uses to solve field rotation, the slow twisting of the sky's image that causes those star trails, is almost backward. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 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 withdrawn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
  • Tom Bezucha has returned to direct from his own script, with original producer Michael London back to produce alongside Shannon Gaulding for Groundswell Productions, along with Parker and Alison Benson for Pretty Matches Productions.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The floated consideration of the legislation comes after Jeffries opposed an amendment to an annual foreign affairs spending bill that aimed to cut off aid to Israel back in July, a measure more than 100 Democrats supported.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • The plant is expected to cost around $500 million and is being developed through a mix of equity and debt, with Circ also seeking grants and guarantees.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In Paris, around 800,000 lined the Champs-Élysées avenue, some waving Vatican or French flags while others climbed trees or stood on each other’s shoulders to get a glimpse of the popemobile.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • Following Blue Ant Media’s reverse takeover of Boat Rocker Media last year, Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier and John Young completed a management buyout of Boat Rocker Studios last year, returning the company to private ownership.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • For instance, a forward or reverse lunge with an overhead reach combines a squat and push movement in the forward-and-backward plane of motion.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 24 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
  • Complexity was sold again in 2024, and GameSquare shares are down about 98% in the last five years.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Walker had zero short-yardage carries (third or fourth down, with one or two yards to go) in the regular season.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • The first pulses concentrate enough energy into a tiny spot to heat a small region and create a reversed magnetic area.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of reversed
Adjective
  • More than 13,000 shoppers have given this pair a five-star rating, and reviewers haven’t been shy about singing its praises.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Elon Musk’s firm hasn’t been shy about wanting to sunset the Falcon 9 rocket that launches Crew Dragon, as well as the capsule, in favor of developing its Starship megarockets.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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