forward 1 of 3

1
as in forwards
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time if you keep walking forward, you'll hit that wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in onwards
toward a point ahead in space or time from this day forward, our two nations will live in peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in front
being at or in the forward part or surface of something the ship's forward deck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

forward

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of forward are advance, further, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

Where would advance be a reasonable alternative to forward?

The words advance and forward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is further a more appropriate choice than forward?

While the synonyms further and forward are close in meaning, further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

When could promote be used to replace forward?

While in some cases nearly identical to forward, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

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 forward
Adverb
And the Wildcat package is probably more of a changeup moving forward than the staple Denbrock tried to make it against Texas A&M. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt believes the league’s high fashion revolution came even more recently. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The next closest company in the group is AI chip giant Nvidia at 31 times forward earnings. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Ramirez has been moved to restrictive housing and the case will be forwarded to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges, CDCR reported in a news release. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2025 The Swedish striker has been Newcastle’s top scorer in each of the last three seasons and is considered one of the best centre forwards in English and European soccer. Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward
Adverb
  • That was Kevyn Adams’ main focus in the offseason, adding Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins on the blue line and defensively sound forwards Josh Doan and Justin Danforth.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Including Collin Graf, the Sharks already have 13 forwards who are projected to be on the NHL roster this year.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other side of the equation, the Chiefs’ receiving corps has looked eerily familiar.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The inertia of familiar patterns keeps people locked into old routines.
    Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Apple upgraded the iPhone 17's front-facing camera in a big way.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With 60 percent of its 2,952 pounds over the front wheels, hard pushes at 9/10ths through tight 30 mph bends reveal clear understeer; however, on faster, sweeping corners, the balance feels spot on.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Employers increasingly wonder whether campuses are cultivating independent thinkers or just cautious followers.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The sum dwarfs most acquisitions this year — and marks TIFF’s first eight-figure deal in several editions — underlining the resilience of genre cinema at a time when studios and streamers alike are cautious.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • From the ninth century onward, Venice was one of the world’s great merchant trade cities.
    Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Halfway through their hike, Vengrinovich’s friend decided to return to base camp while Vengrinovich and the rest of the group proceeded onward.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko showed off their Cha Cha skills loud and proud tonight!
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The best people aren’t too proud to prove themselves on the ground.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In developing hypertension notifications, Apple used advanced machine learning and training data from across multiple studies.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In August, the president announced a deal between the federal government and Nvidia, allowing the American chip producer to sell advanced semiconductors to Chinese buyers in exchange for a 15% cut of the profits.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forward. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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