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 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 The new remote is compatible with all Amazon Ember TVs and Fire TV streaming devices from 2019 onward. — Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is moving forward with a $4 million investment to run an ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother after the video received fierce backlash.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Drake Maye, quarterback for the Patriots, has been further along in the league than his opponent.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Doctors point to how the body regulates its own temperature at night, and how a cozy pair of socks can nudge that process along.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 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

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Style

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onward. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

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