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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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
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
  • As Official Asset Management Partner, Nuveen’s branding will be displayed above the steering wheel and on the inner rear wing of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon’s FW48—Williams’ challenger for the all-new F1 regulations in 2026.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The Sorcerer’s enormous rear wing catches the eye the most, which was a choice of the owner, who also wanted a front spoiler to make the car more track-focused.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Power would then be mechanically routed forward and backward to all three track systems.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The second was a Seahawks overtime win in Seattle that shifted on a punt return for a touchdown and a two-point conversion on an incomplete backward pass.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Freed from some of the commercial pressures, creators are going back to their roots and getting weird, and perhaps building the foundation of the future of immersive content.
    Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • On the way back, the same thing happened, where groups of protesters boarded and the bus ended up completely full.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Over time, the event has grown into the Camp Flog Gnaw Festival (its name spells Golf Wang in reverse), which sold out Dodger Stadium for two consecutive days in 2025.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Indeed, many of Newsom’s positions read as if they were reverse-engineered from Republican attack ads.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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