Synonyms of onward

onward

adverb

ˈȯn-wərd 

variants also onwards

1

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

• forward
• forth
• on
• ahead

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backward

2

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

• forward
• along
• forwards
• forth
• ahead
• on
• before
• fore
• frontward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• back
• backward
• behind
• rearward

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of onward

The final postseason for the conference as currently constructed was a downer from the first half of Boise State’s blowout defeat to Washington (in the LA Bowl) onward. —Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Surgeons generally accept patients from age 18 onward, once facial growth is complete, with no strict upper age limit provided overall health is suitable. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

Fundraising numbers remained high at Arabella’s nonprofit organizations from 2020 onward. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026

Stephan Schablinski, vice president of GoGreen North America at DHL Supply Chain, told Transport Topics that more deliveries are expected to begin from next year’s second half onward. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2025