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

Many of the 9/11 hijackers, for instance, initially went to Afghanistan with the intention to acquire skills and connections before traveling onward to Chechnya to fight alongside Chechen insurgents against Russian security forces. — Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

From the mid-sixteenth century onwards, however, the situation is quite different. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

From their second year onward, the prizes shifted their focus to unusual but authentic research, both in response to criticism and to establish greater credibility. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

The rocket's core booster then continued onward to deliver Falcon Heavy's second stage equipped with Roman into space. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026