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 down
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as in withdrawn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
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Recent Examples of backward
Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Not only did the Devers addition fail to ignite the lineup, but also the production went backward while the Giants have scored the fewest runs in the major leagues.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Despite the introduction of the Switch 2 and the Switch 2's broad backward compatibility with the original Switch's game library, Nintendo is still keeping the original Switch around as an entry-level console.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Lynch put a steel chain in Valyria’s mouth and pulled it backward while using the ring post for leverage.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Not only did the Devers addition fail to ignite the lineup, but also the production went backward while the Giants have scored the fewest runs in the major leagues.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Adjective
The big question is what triggered the backward slide in performance.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Despite the introduction of the Switch 2 and the Switch 2's broad backward compatibility with the original Switch's game library, Nintendo is still keeping the original Switch around as an entry-level console.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
First released in 1971, back when yapping on land-line phones was the preferred method of communication, the song was recently featured in HBO’s Hacks — another instance of Siffre’s music being discovered by way of a buzzy pop-culture moment.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
5 Aug. 2025
-
While Taipei’s relations with the United States remain strong at an institutional level, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has faced multiple speed bumps, internally and externally, that have raised alarms among Taiwan experts back in Washington.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
The company’s shares ended down 1.5% after the earnings release.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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The water was 58 degrees at the top and the same 10 or 15 feet down, but the day was overcast and cold, and a hard wind was blowing out of the northwest.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
For example, normative scenarios (similar to a reverse stress test) can add significant value when they are built around specific business objectives.—
John M. Bremen,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Collins said Connecticut added provisions that required chain stores to put in reverse vending machines in more locations such as drug stores.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adverb
-
Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.—
Sean Evans,
Robb Report,
5 Aug. 2024
Adverb
-
In 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa received around 40% of the USAID budget — second to only Ukraine.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The latter is usually my favorite, but the Korean BBQ was the star of the show this time around.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Leaving thousands of cases behind Former Judge Angela Munro received the email in April notifying her that her employment would be terminated and placed on administrative leave — just a few days shy of the end of her two-year probationary period.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
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And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Barbara Byrne, former vice chairman of British investment bank Barclays PLC, is the lone holdover from the old board and will sit as an independent director.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Supermarket shoppers in the Miami and Orlando areas shared Monday’s lone jackpot win among the Fantasy 5, Cash4Life and Powerball draw games.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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