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onward

adverb

ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
variants also onwards
Definition of onwardnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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
  1. forward
  2. along
  3. forwards
  4. forth
Adverb
  • The show then flashes forward to the other women emotionally processing the news of his overdose and coming together at Angie’s to console one another and share memories of Robert.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • His hair is pasted down with sweat and his head moves forward and backward like an old man’s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onward. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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