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

The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is moving forward with a $4 million investment to run an ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother after the video received fierce backlash.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Mourinho has been working hard to get the star forwards attacking different spaces on the counter.

— Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

asunder

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 23

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes