ONWARDS Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

onward

adverb

ˈȯn-wərd

variants also onwards

Definition of onward

as in forward

toward a point ahead in space or time we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backward

as in along

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time work on the project has been continuing onward at a steady pace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 onward Then, from the sixteenth century onward, Christian philos-ophers and social reformers repeatedly engaged in thought experiments about classless Utopias. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 This is the practical discipline of moving ever onward in the face of ambiguity. — Jeff Degraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Think about the patron of the arts from the Renaissance onwards. — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026 As Falcon 9's booster began the journey to its landing zone, the rocket's second stage continued onward to orbit with Dragon and the capsule's 6,300 pounds (2,860 kilograms) of cargo for the ISS. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

Heat forward Nikola Jovic was back in the mix after receiving his first DNP-CD (did not play, coach’s decision) of the season.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
The Lakers signed center Lawson Lovering to a two-way contract Wednesday and waived two-way forward AK Okereke.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Stoke Space is well along in construction of its first launch pad at Cape Canaveral for its reusable medium-lift Nova rocket.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Spotted out and about in New York City, the singer appeared to be carrying everything but the kitchen sink in an absolutely gargantuan leather bag, while teetering along in a pair of ballet shoes that took the humble flat to dizzying new heights.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of along

Adverb

Mourinho has been working hard to get the star forwards attacking different spaces on the counter.

— Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Of course, just because a timeframe hasn't been announced to the public, that doesn't mean there is no internal timeframe that can be brought forwards and backwards as necessary.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of forwards

Adverb

The conversation went back and forth, with the staffer asking Jathar and his other engineering companions questions.

— Lucas Laursen, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2026
Another turning point could come if Anthropic goes forth with an IPO, expected in November, followed by OpenAI.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of forth

Browse Nearby Words

onuses

onward

oodles

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onward. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

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