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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 backwards
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
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
Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.
—Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
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
Adverb
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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
Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.
—Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
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This comes after Williams suffered a car fire when Alex Albon’s machine was affected by a rear-brake issue.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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The rear seat accommodates five, comfortable for four adults.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Inniss had a 10-yard return, but his biggest play was a backward pass to Lorenzo Styles on a punt that led to a 36-yard return.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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The team ran scenarios, including a backward push to induce forward pitching and a lateral force that caused rolling, and found the controller could stabilise the robot in both cases.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The lieutenant suffered one gunshot wound that entered near his shoulder and exited his back.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
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Now, the new cards have a digital security signature that’s embedded into one of two barcodes that appear on the back, the state agency said in a news release.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Ricklefs allegedly put the jeep in reverse and backed into the officers’ patrol car, drove away and then quickly returned and hit another patrol car, according to the outlet.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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Heat pumps can also work in reverse, by taking hot air from inside the home and sending it back outside–just like a traditional air conditioner.—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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