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as in withdrawn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
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
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The administration is offering a host of excuses to obscure its real motive: to subdue American universities and bend them to their will.
—Dr. David M. Sack, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The heaviest bend would have come immediately after the hook set, which never occurs (maybe Quint liked circle hooks).
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 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
Verb
Past photos have shown the R&B global star bending fans over, picking them up and even giving them kisses on the cheek.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The administration is offering a host of excuses to obscure its real motive: to subdue American universities and bend them to their will.
—Dr. David M. Sack, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
In comparison, physicists better understand the inner workings of the human eye, particularly in terms of how light passes into the eye, bends, and then converts into electrical impulses that supply the brain with information.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The heaviest bend would have come immediately after the hook set, which never occurs (maybe Quint liked circle hooks).
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 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
-
Market have been volatile but the DJIA, S&P and Nasdaq are also down for now, but by less.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
-
Its revenue dipped 1% last quarter compared to the same time period in 2024, and the company lowered its full-year net revenue guidance to $850 million to $900 million down from $950 million to $1 billion.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
4 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
Verb
-
The kitchen has arched steels windows and a Lacanche range.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
21 Apr. 2025
-
In the bottom of the first inning on Opening Day 2023, Aaron Judge clobbered a high, arching narrative over the center-field wall, and that was it.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Arantxa devotes half her verse to saying her name, Dovima looks bored, Vulcano is an awkward, lumbering giant, and everyone looks like they’re dressed for a different universe.—
Barry Levitt,
Vulture,
12 May 2025
-
Some 41 years later in 2024 and have devoted herself to a successful political career, adult Marlene strives to make meaningful societal change.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
The Board of Review actively promotes homeowner education and conducts numerous outreach efforts, particularly aimed at underserved communities.—
George Cardenas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
-
And in recent months Silva has doubled down on work with her counterpart in the finance ministry on a $125 billion fund aimed at protecting tropical forests around the world.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Jay Hook had a degree in engineering and was the rare pitcher who could explain how a curveball curves.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
-
Her one-shoulder design was perfectly tailored to curve to her body for sleek yet stylish sophistication.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share