forward 1 of 3

Definition of forwardnext
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 onward
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

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
For Maryland, the path forward is clear. Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026 Moving forward without knowing how to pay for it or not fully exploring what may be more cost-effective alternatives may invite serious public concern regarding the fiscal responsibility of the City Commission. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
What might prove the decisive goal in this quarter-final tie came through Watkins again and a corner once more, with Bologna inexplicably allowing the forward time to control and finish from close range. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Nosek is one of eight mainstay Panthers forwards who not play Wednesday, along with Aleksander Barkov (right ACL/MCL), Sam Reinhart (foot), Brad Marchand (lower body), Carter Verhaeghe (lower body), Sam Bennett (lower body), Anton Lundell (ribs) and Jonah Gadjovich (upper body). Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 Not expected to return are goalie Nathan Airey, forwards Jimmy Clark, Erik Pahlsson and August Falloon, and defensemen Max Rud, Finn McLaughlin and Leo Gruba. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward
Adverb
  • Among the Samurai Blue’s biggest threats are forwards Ayase Ueda and Koki Ogawa, both of whom play in the Dutch top flight and have 26 international goals combined.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Sources close to Eccho and Night Train have noted the two companies will retain a working relationship going forwards, with Kloiber still in business with Serafin.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • That’s well below the target of 95 percent vaccination coverage, which is the level needed to keep the virus from spreading onward in communities.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Then, as expected, from that initial value, the Universe’s entropy has been forever increasing from that point onward.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials' warnings about national security risks.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials’ warnings about national security risks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Troopers responded to the area and found broken glass from the front door of the God's Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Twelve students, including Brendan LaFave, the high-achieving kid from Ann Arbor, live in the three-story brown-brick house, which has white columns along its wide front porch.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But that cautious optimism among exiles is tempered by concern they could be cut out.
    Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The key takeaway is that consumers are cautious, and the execution of early applications of AI in fashion is what’s holding them back right now.
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To manage that reality, Manning encourages newer teachers to establish boundaries early and stick to them.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • On Tuesday, the New York Islanders showed a message on the video board at their Long Island arena encouraging hockey fans to donate to Duran’s legal defense fund.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • With Reigns, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins all further along in their careers, there’s a legitimate case that Femi could anchor the next generation of superstars.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That’s along with the mental side of it.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • There has been back and forth over ownership restrictions.
    Terrance Friday, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Those of us who study the history of business and so forth know that there are brands that resonate so much with the American consumer that go back generations.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forward. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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