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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
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
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
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This checkpoint-friendly backpack will get you through airport security in no time, and the rear strap can slide over most luggage handles for easier travel.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
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Plans have included a rear extension with a stone terrace, updates to the summer house, and added security features like higher walls and new gates.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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That’s because pressing down on the ground with the heel can generate backward momentum, requiring the runner to use more energy to propel themselves forward.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
27 Apr. 2026
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Five years is a long time to invest in a relationship that hasn’t moved forward, backward or in any direction.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Wagner already missed 48 games during the regular season while working his way back from injury, and the caution surrounding his current calf strain is understandable given the risk associated with rushing that type of issue.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
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Ryan shot back, quoting a soldier from the CBS report, that telling the truth is important.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was more spirit, resilience and fight against Roberto De Zerbi’s side than Wolves had displayed in the second half of the 4-0 defeat at West Ham and almost the entirety of the 3-0 reverse at Leeds United.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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And the Knicks, who’d been turned over and scored on in transition regularly throughout the series, pulled an UNO reverse card, scoring 21 points off 19 Hawks turnovers on the night.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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