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 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 Deloitte itself is moving onward in this sector with its Silent Shield cyber intrusion detection system, so the advisory firm already has a stake in the success of space. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Profound cosmic lessons have been coming to you regarding your heart’s desires and passions in recent years, Scorpio, and this continues onward into the week ahead. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026 In practice, the Mughals in India, from the 15th century onward, had a rich tradition of landscaping and building waterfront and palace gardens, modeling themselves after heavenly authority and their cities after the heavenly garden. — Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

By now the crowd was deafening and fans surged forward for a better view.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Season 2 jumps forward nine years, to a presidential assassination, military coups and an unstable state that changes hands many times in the months that follow.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Moore’s Mona Friedman is indeed a familiar figure, a shy and impressionable wife who quietly nods along at dinner, lets people cut in front of her at the store, and seems generally uninterested in sticking up for herself.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Throughout our conversation, in fact, the pair chuckles, nods along to each other’s answers, interjects sounds of assent.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 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

Adverb

The episode cuts back and forth between John’s tense interview and his upbringing, revealing how John was conditioned to be fearless from a young age.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
The households of my grandparents seemed to breathe forth a sense of the real cost and worth of things.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of onward

adverb

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