rearward 1 of 3

Definition of rearwardnext
1
as in rear
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part got rearward quarters aboard the ship

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rearward

2 of 3

adverb

variants also rearwards

rearward

3 of 3

noun

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 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
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
  • Carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard here and reduce unsprung mass by nearly 60 pounds, while a new front splitter and rear spoiler aid high-speed stability.
    Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Parking will be available in the rear lot by Door 4.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Below it, there’s a paddle to skip forward or backward through tracks.
    Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026
  • Washington’s priorities are backward.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adverb
  • Sullivan, though, first pushed back on the idea the Dolphins were trying to trade him at the NFL meetings later that month, calling him a priority to get extended.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • Unidentified trespassers stole the control stick out of an R train while it was parked underground in southern Brooklyn back in December — along a stretch of storage track popular with joyriders and graffiti artists.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Trying to play in Pedro Neto, Estevao, or even a reverse pass to Andrey Santos might have been a better option.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Watching the pair scheme in crisp shot-reverse-shot carries much of the film’s easy charm, like witnessing a pair of Al Hirschfeld caricatures suddenly brought to life.
    Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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