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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
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
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These are the least-powerful rear-wheel-drive models, which also happen to be the sweetest-driving versions.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
17 Apr. 2026
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The car also had a distinctive strip of tape on the passenger side where the rear bumper seam meets the quarter panel.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the interest of making the most of the Pro Type Ergo’s larger size, the keyboard includes four adjustable feet that offer forward and backward tilt options of 4 or 7 degrees.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
18 Apr. 2026
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This is the first perpetual calendar whose displays and its moon phase can be adjusted both forward and backward through a single crown position.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Reiten tried lots of sports — like skiing and handball — but always found her way back to football.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Will that be back in the summer?—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That same back-pedaling motion doubles as reverse, a function recumbent trike riders have wanted for years.—
Omar Kardoudi
April 20,
New Atlas,
20 Apr. 2026
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There are hyper-local gags about the Williamsburg bar Union Pool and the undesirability of living in the Financial District, and a creature known as Rat Pizza — like Pizza Rat in reverse.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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