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

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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as in withdrawn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 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
Playing in the rain at Lane Stadium, Bulls Prep held a 12-7 lead late in the fourth quarter, and the defense pushed Young backward on fourth-and-29. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 During the incident, Catalano fell backward onto the ground and Cave advanced toward him while the officer attempted to regain his footing. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
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 In the images, Gerber smiled outdoors in a black T-shirt and backward cap, displaying his signature neck and arm tattoos. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 21 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 withdrawn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
  • However, sustained gold purchases by central banks continue to provide crucial underlying support, potentially propelling prices back toward roughly 4,400 dollars per ounce by year end.
    — , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Alibi was made back in 2021, but five years later comes the chance for the international market to find out whodunnit.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • For reference, an extrait’s concentration is usually around 20 to 30 percent.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said today that a gas pipeline is being converted to carry crude as well and could move around 1 million barrels a day within eight weeks, rising to 3 million with further investment.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • Difficult-to-reverse decisions also need strong controls, such as human review, deterministic rules, a traditional model or another independent validation mechanism.
    — Swati Deepak Kumar, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In both versions, the helm sits at the center of the main deck, protected by a wraparound windscreen with a reverse rake.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 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
  • West Texas Intermediate futures were last seen about 1% lower at around $90 per barrel, with Brent crude, the global price benchmark, down more than 1% at around $102 per barrel.
    — Hugh Leask,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Another level down, the lower deck offers three VIP and one guest cabin that can collectively sleep up to 10, along with crew quarters for up to six.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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
  • The versatile three-sport athlete has caught 44 balls for 774 yards and six touchdowns in seven games this season, just four yards shy of the most in the state, according to MaxPreps data after Week 8.
    — McClain Baxley for the AJC, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But that’s not always enough, a lesson that Sian Heder’s film is not shy about.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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