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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 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
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
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
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
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
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
Adverb
When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
—
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
Stepping rearward from that compartment on the right travel side of the trailer, the main entry door welcomes campers into the open living area while the rear entry door a couple steps farther back provides direct access to the bathroom.
—
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
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Firefighters quickly found the seat of the fire and stretched a hose line to the rear apartment, McCabe said.
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As the caravan turned right from 61st Street to go south on Kedzie Avenue, Alvarez drove his truck into the rear passenger side of the agents’ vehicle, causing about $1,300 in damage, according to the plea agreement.
Adjective
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These backward glances don’t play as nostalgia.
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Panels jump forward and backward in time.
Adverb
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The pathologist documented extensive bruising and hemorrhage involving Joanna’s abdomen, flanks, back, buttocks, thighs and lower extremities, according to the affidavit.
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Other food available at the fair includes a Turkey Leg that costs $23, a Smash Cheeseburger that will set patrons back $20 and a Giant Western Sausage that sells $20.
Noun
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The remaining 15 picks of the first round are ordered in reverse of the teams’ regular-season records.
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The problem just works in reverse.
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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