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 That means investing not just in subsea cables, but also in the infrastructure that brings them ashore and carries data onward, from landing stations to terrestrial fibre networks. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 The story goes that cheaper flights and package holidays from the nineteen-sixties onward sent most Brits to sunnier shores abroad. — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026 Following separation from Falcon 9's main booster, the rocket's second stage flew onward to LEO, delivering its 24 Starlink satellites about one hour after liftoff. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Offering an incredibly detailed snapshot of upper-class life in Istanbul from the 1970s onwards, Pamuk has successfully created one of the most moving exhibitions to date—a real highlight of the city. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

Researchers have developed a new vision algorithm that lets humanoid robots perceive depth more like humans, using two forward-facing eyes.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
While keeping your knees slightly bent, hinge forward from your hips and lower the band.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of forward

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

Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the Mid-America Regional Council, said automotive goods are one of Kansas City’s largest exports, and many of those products go back and forth across the border with Canada.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
The footage shows an officer and a young man going back and forth before police appear to push people back as officers work to clear the area.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

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