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 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 Officials speculated that prompt outbreak responses kept the MRSA strain from moving onward in families and the community. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 His comments come seven months after Tiley proposed a move in the opposite direction by suggesting that best-of-five-set matches be introduced in the women’s competition at the Australian Open from the quarter-finals onwards. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

Though Calvin’s children and sister Ruth (Willow Kean), who works as Snook’s Arms Harbor Master, realize there are very few resources left to hold on to, Calvin digs in his heels, determined to find a way forward.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
This triggered over 40 additional women to come forward with their own stories about the brothers.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Over the past few years, the Grammys helped speed that along by introducing new categories like Best Progressive R&B Album, offering the chance for artists across the rhythm and blues spectrum to have their work recognized.

— Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Javier Herbello and Officer Dorian Acosta, were standing outside the Electric Lady and on the right side of a parked car as the crowd was letting out and traffic slowly moved along.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of along

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

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 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

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

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes