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

The team’s form picked up spectacularly from December onwards, losing only five of their final 25 Premier League matches. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 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

As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface, blue light is scattered away while red wavelengths continue onward, bathing the moon in pinkish, copper and crimson tones. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Give Tubers the Right Growing Conditions Healthy tubers are the foundation for strong, upright dahlia plants, so caring for them from planting onward can help prevent problems later in the season. — The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026