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
For Pickens, acceptance is not about settling but about moving forward with clarity and purpose. Essence, 9 May 2025 Moving forward with the proposals will require congressional approval to secure the necessary funding. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025
Adjective
Luckily for Denver, Game 7 isn't until Sunday, giving the forward multiple days to recover from the initial injury. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 The King followed doctors' advice to postpone public-facing work for what proved to be a three-month period and resumed forward duties late that April, keeping busy ever since. Janine Henni, People.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
Adding a scam address to PayPal generated a confirmation email sent to the address of the threat actor, which was then forwarded to the mailing list. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Not all call takers are dispatchers, so if emergency calls require a response from police or ambulance, the call is forwarded to a staffer who can coordinate with officers. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward
Adverb
  • The talent management division of Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries has been building its international talent roster since launching in February, and will represent Ciancimino and Long going forwards.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 May 2025
  • With Rantanen signing ahead of free agency, this leaves Marner’s competition in free agency to forwards like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers, which Marner has a separation of in terms of individual production.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of this uncertainty is coming from familiar sources, and some from new developments.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • With three birdies also added on the card, Scheffler walked into the clubhouse with a familiar position on the leaderboard at a major.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The grass in the front lawn had been allowed to grow uncut during the spring, for the horses, so the owners had not been out into the area to inspect it.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The bar and lounge area, a focal point of the restaurant, will expand with seating in the front window that looks out onto Main Street.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • While strength training is their primary focus, Trainor enjoys encouraging Sabara to push himself physically.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 13 May 2025
Adverb
  • Wednesday onward should be dry and sunny, and temperatures will rise through the week, reaching the mid- to upper-90s over the weekend.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
  • From August 2024 onward, Glamel still handles distribution of DVF product in the Greater China region.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the next round that year, Boston lost Game 6 at home to the Heat before knocking out Jimmy Butler and his proud team by capturing Game 7 in Miami.
    Jay King, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • That has dropped to 2.4 since, a consequence of receiving possession in more advanced positions, rather than when facing towards his own goal as a No 6.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • From refined cabin materials to advanced technology and even off-roading chops, this SUV checks plenty of boxes for drivers like The Knicks' Jalen Brunson.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forward. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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