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as in withdrawn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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of backward
Justice Delos Santos,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Though Dan Wilcox is a Philadelphia-area native and sported a backwards Phillies cap to show it, the family now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, said his wife, Caroline.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Panels jump forward and backward in time.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Koss threw backwards and tried to nab Moreno at first, but the throw deflected off Moreno and bounced into the Giants’ first-base dugout.
—
Justice Delos Santos,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Though Dan Wilcox is a Philadelphia-area native and sported a backwards Phillies cap to show it, the family now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, said his wife, Caroline.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Adjective
These backward glances don’t play as nostalgia.
—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Panels jump forward and backward in time.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
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Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.
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Now back in King’s Landing, Corlys is distracted at best, meeting with Rhaenyra’s small council to address the crown’s nonexistent funds — the latest on a long list of problems that need solving for the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Adverb
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Last year, the charity Oxfam noted that G7 countries, which collectively account for around 75% of all official development assistance, were set to slash their aid spending by 28% in 2026 compared to 2024 levels.
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The relaxed V-neck tank top has a pretty scalloped trim, while the stretchy shorts give you plenty of room to move around.
Adjective
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Both models come with reverse capability and 12-inch cast wheels.
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Those investments have reshaped nearly every stage of the fulfillment process, from warehouse networks and inventory management to last-mile delivery and reverse logistics.
Adjective
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Without daily contact with peers, some children become more withdrawn, lonely or emotionally flat.
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Blatter also suggested that Infantino, like a lot of dictators, has started acting withdrawn.
Adverb
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The floor plan centers around a single- or dual-seat lounge that faces rearward to provide views through the open entryway.
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Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
Adverb
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Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
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As for the hosts, mosquitoes track people (and their blood) down by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat and body odor.
Adjective
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It’s not yet confirmed if the reversed look that was seen initially will be released at retail.
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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.
Adjective
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Willis, who was one of the group's founders in the 1970s, died one day shy of his 75th birthday.
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His six goals tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the tournament lead and gave him 18 in his World Cup career, one shy of Messi's record.
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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