on 1 of 3

Definition of onnext
1
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in forward
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in along
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

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 on
Preposition
His reports appear on the 11Alive Morning News from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and on 11Alive.com. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026 Denver’s two shots on goal tied a record low for a period in a championship game. Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Despite the risks of a blockade, analysts have touted it as an option that would avoid putting boots on the ground. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026 Still, the recovery on Tuesday suggests lingering skepticism over Trump's claims — that were also refuted by Iran. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • Famous for her affection towards corgis, the future queen cuddled a Pembroke Welsh corgi in April 1940.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In Islam, a man is not allowed to touch a woman, so three women then came towards me dressed in black.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Glidden turned himself in to the police on Sunday and was released on a $5,000 bond, denying the allegations against him.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Wirtz announced the news in an interview on CHSN before the team’s season finale against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • But Knicks forward Mikal Bridges missed a potential game-winning midrange baseline jumper as time expired.
    Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The president’s nominee to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve will appear on Capitol Hill today for a confirmation hearing, but his path forward is uncertain due to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The official is not aware of whether the ships that have transited and continued along — like the Chinese tanker the Rich Starry — have paid a toll to the Iranians.
    Gordon Lubold, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Those opportunities don't along very often.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
    Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Preposition
  • Vietnamese airlines are planning to significantly reduce flights and scale back operations next month due to the high costs brought upon by the conflict, as well as potential jet fuel shortages.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Because there is not yet a clear and agreed-upon way to measure this, nurses and hospital leadership – who view the problem from their distinct positions – often disagree on what safe staffing actually looks like, which can lead to conflict.
    Anna Mayo, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 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

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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