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

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

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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as in withdrawn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
What Applicants Should Do Now Companies weighing a charter can work backward from what the two letters found, and three of the OCC’s findings are worth addressing before filing. — Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Being single again felt like a step backward, further away than ever from happiness. — Andrea Javor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
During his socialist/communist rule, China was a backward country that could not feed or clothe its people. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Cruising down Woodward Avenue this year is a backward camper pulling a Ford truck with the undead as passengers. — Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 15 Aug. 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 withdrawn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
  • Bouwman went in to clear a bouncing ball with his head before Van Bommel jumped into the challenge and his back connected with force with the Netherlands youth international in the air.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boox teased the Picco, its take on the buzzy Xteink X4 e-reader, back in July, but provided almost no details.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • The Braves are a closer match to the Phillies, and this matchup has evoked October, a month that’s been too much trick and not enough treat around here.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Monroe may be the most fun course around to play, with an inviting layout, phenomenal greens (many elevated) and excellent course conditions.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • When Nebraska advanced to the 2024 Final Four and lost in a reverse sweep against Penn State, Murray was upset.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This is paired with 100W HyperCharge; Xiaomi says a 20-minute top-up provides enough juice for a full day, while 27W reverse charging lets the phone double as a small emergency power bank.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 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
  • Sacramento’s immigration court now has three judges, down from seven in September 2025.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers say their root systems, which can reach several feet down, can access water deeper in the ground.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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.
    — Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of reversed
Adjective
  • Dell's strong comments on demand for AI servers is spreading to Nvidia , with shares up more than 3% and trading a few dollars shy of levels after last week's strong earnings.
    — Jeff Marks,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That's just two shy of the SpaceX reuse record, which was set by B1067 last week.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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