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2
as in backward
directed, turned, or done toward the back
the tearful girl gave a rearward glance to her younger brother as she was being led down the street for her first day at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also rearwards
as in back
toward the rear
turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rearward
New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
Whichever seats the buyer chooses, they're designed to be faced forward or rearward, allowing for vis-a-vis business van configurations that promote meetings and discussion on the move.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Adverb
Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Noun
To get the shape just right, Mansory stripped the chassis down completely, removed all four of the standard doors, shifted the B-pillar rearward to make room for the new set and moved the hinges back a pillar.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
-
And indeed, one of its most unique elements is a cast-iron spiral staircase that once led from Lennon and Ono’s apartment to a roof terrace but now, fully restored, connects the the parlor-floor living room to the rear garden.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
-
These include rear-view mirrors mounted to the handlebars, front and rear turn signals, a compact digital dash, a sidestand, and a license-plate holder.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There were backward passes, deep bombs and spin moves aplenty to evade potential tag-pullers.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Ash Wednesday is designated by counting backward 40 days from Easter, minus the Sundays.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Owen Konrad and Peterson scored for Eden Prairie before Parker Wenkus brought Prior Lake back within a goal.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
19 Feb. 2026
-
They were headed back to the trailhead when the avalanche struck.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The result is a reverse of the normal cooling of air as elevations increase.—
David Staats,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
-
LaVine follows it up with going from behind the baseline, off the toss and bounce, gathers it behind the backboard, goes between his legs and does a two-handed reverse dunk at the front of the rim.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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