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as in withdrawn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
1
as in to arch
to cause to turn away from a straight line
she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
bent herself to the task for the rest of the day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in to distort
to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of
attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to attach
to cause (something) to hold to another
bend a leash to the dog's collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved
it's hard to see around that bend in the road, so be careful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2025
India’s moment of full assertion may still lie ahead, but its ability to bend without breaking, to engage without surrender, is not a sign of strategic failure.
—Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
The weather is turning warmer and spring is fast approaching in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, which means summer break is just around the bend.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 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
Verb
In the course of a few weeks, Paramount has bent the knee and paid $16 million to Donald Trump to resolve a frivolous lawsuit, giving him a huge victory over CBS News.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2025
India’s moment of full assertion may still lie ahead, but its ability to bend without breaking, to engage without surrender, is not a sign of strategic failure.
—Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
Noun
This 550-foot sheer cliff overlooks a sweeping bend in the Buffalo River.
—arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
The weather is turning warmer and spring is fast approaching in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, which means summer break is just around the bend.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
The ease, maturity, and comedic timing of her child star years are, at last, back in full force.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
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
-
Year-to-date violent crime, as of Aug. 5, is down 26% compared to the year before, and the 2024 figure dropped 35% from 2023.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The company’s shares ended down 1.5% after the earnings release.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
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
Verb
-
Like claws to the earth, mangrove roots arched their way into the marsh, thirsty for the nutrients St. Lucia had to offer.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Softly arching habit of growth that melds into its surroundings?—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Independent directors now devote 300-plus hours a year reviewing packs, joining site visits and scenario rehearsals.—
Marie Holive,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Moyer was a loving mother and devoted Christian, as well as an avid reader and writer, according to her obituary.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The brand's reach aims to strengthen its connection with Generation Z consumers after being named the No. 1 fragrance brand for American teens and the third overall most-shopped at beauty stores by teens in the Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Spring 2025 Survey.—
Greta Cross,
Freep.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Look up, and the ceiling curves over you, its wooden beams making the place feel almost like a giant shelter tucked into the mountain.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
If the Bermuda High weakens, the storm may curve out to sea.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
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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