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as in withdrawn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
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
Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The echidna — fittingly known as the spiny anteater — lives entirely on land, is covered in pointy quills and has rear feet that face backward, kicking up dirt as the animal burrows into the ground.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
These armrests are engineered to deliver unmatched flexibility and comfort, allowing 6 cm (2.4 in) height adjustment, 5 cm (2 in) multi-dimensional forward and backward movements, and complete 360-degree rotation.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Simpson gripped the tool from the left, shimmying backward in her teal Nikes.
—Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The echidna — fittingly known as the spiny anteater — lives entirely on land, is covered in pointy quills and has rear feet that face backward, kicking up dirt as the animal burrows into the ground.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Walk feet forward or backward to decrease or intensify the stretch in the back of the body.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
These armrests are engineered to deliver unmatched flexibility and comfort, allowing 6 cm (2.4 in) height adjustment, 5 cm (2 in) multi-dimensional forward and backward movements, and complete 360-degree rotation.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
These aren’t simple blends—they’re labor-intensive, high-concept creations that draw from over 200 acres across five distinct Sonoma AVAs, including estate vines planted as far back as 1912.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
Just a few blocks from arrival, the car lurched toward the other lane—which was, thankfully, empty—and immediately jerked back.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2025
Adverb
-
If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and shield your head, or leave your vehicle and find shelter in a ditch or ravine.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 May 2025
-
Sales down 75% in Netherlands and 62% in the UK Overseas Tesla’s sales are tanking more than in the the U.S.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
The motor can shut down entirely on landing and even reverse prop to slow.—
Joe Salas
May 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2025
-
Lisa preached the use of traditional techniques (namely reverse appliqué), colors (black, orange, and burgundy), and shapes (typically geometric abstractions of natural features, such as brain corals).—
Mark Johanson,
AFAR Media,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Its influence on the withdrawn protagonist, Jamie (played by Owen Cooper), is largely implied.—
Paula Mejía,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
-
The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 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
-
Some 200 reporters milled around near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus that the Russians had specified as the talks venue.—
Tom Balmforth,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
Brooklyn Coachworks typically restores around two dozen cars a year.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Keisha is a smart and confident track star whose circumstances pushed her to mature early, while Justin is a shy, music-loving guy who struggles with schoolwork.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
-
The country music singer, 57, and the actress, 57, arrived for the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas, on May 8, in chic, coordinating all black looks and were not shy about putting their love on display.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
In his lone college season at Duke, Flagg solidified himself as the best prospect in the country, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
The lone survivor was identified as Anton Tselykh, 38, of Seattle, according to the sheriff's office.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share