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 But the story continues onward from the Pah-Pah because Campanero has further developed that base model to function as the foundation of a modular camping system that grows with young families. — New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026 Naza does not currently have distribution in Israel, but the film will be released in more than 50 territories from September 28 onward. — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026 Looking ahead, rain and lightning storm chances increase Tuesday onward as moisture returns to the area. — Felix Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 The film will be released theatrically from September 28 onwards in 56 territories. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

But two-way contract forward Keshad Johnson was available against the Nets after missing the Heat’s first three preseason games because of a right hamstring strain.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Anvary was tightlipped about whether the brand will continue to invest in microseries or more entertainment moving forward, saying executives want to see how the audience engages with this first attempt first.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Like Kaprizov and a slew of star forwards last season, Hughes and Makar could each be waiting for the other to sign first.

— Michael Russo, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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

In the victim’s surveillance footage, Wang was seen entering the room, walking back and forth, before sitting on a desk using her cellphone, police said in the affidavit.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
That came forth from the ’90s and that a lot of the choices were almost in character.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of forth

Browse Nearby Words

onuses

onward

oodles

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onward. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes