on 1 of 3

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 onwards
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 forward
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
Published on June 3, 2025 By Tori Latham Yoshihiro Makino Photo : Yoshihiro Makino Photo : Yoshihiro Makino A statement fireplace warms the double-height living room. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 June 2025 The fantasy drama is based on Neil Gaiman’s comic series of the same name. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 3 June 2025 Qualified withdrawals, including for education expenses or credentials, a down payment on a first home or as capital to start a small business, are taxed at the long-term capital-gains rate. Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 May 2025 The boys chose the challenge on the track with a temperature of 140 degrees, which is above the level that can cause 2nd degree burns, CBS Austin reports. Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a double and drives in a run against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies during their game at Citi Field on May 30, 2025 in New York City.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • The ban positions the UK among the first countries in Europe to legislate against disposable vapes, following similar moves in France and Belgium.
    Olivia Kemp, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • On the advice of Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, Erivo met with Republic Records co-president/COO Wendy Goldstein to discuss her strengths and figure out a path forward.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 June 2025
  • After a strong week at a very difficult Erin Hills course, Korda will be playing with plenty of confidence moving forward.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022
  • The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Preposition
  • All of which meant Anderson tucked and rolled upon hitting the ground — and executed two perfect somersaults that carried her over the finish line.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Written on them is the oath that the researchers took upon becoming civil servants, according to one IFPTE member who asked not to be named.
    Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Adverb
  • In front of the federal building on Los Angeles Street, yellow city street sweepers rolled back and forth between blooming jacarandas and scores of police vehicles.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The maintenance-free claims continue to be tossed about by many retailers, salespeople, builders, remodelers and so forth.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • And follow along here for more of USA TODAY's Pride 2025 coverage!
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Longhorns supporters stretched throughout the stands parallel to third base, with their seemingly most die-hard fans stationed directly behind their bench, and Red Raiders fans mirrored that almost exactly along first.
    Lauren Merola, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Duties include developing and executing operational analysis strategies, along with leading modeling and wargaming efforts.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • During operational missions, SpaceX plans to bring both Super Heavy and Ship back to Starbase for launch-tower catches.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!