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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
-
The order of operations felt as backward as the series of events that preceded it.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
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That’s one of a number of cases in the paper where the researchers tried to reason backward about what the model was doing based on its output.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Overall, among Catholic Americans who have seen this feud become the most contentious relationship between a secular leader and the papacy dating back to medieval times, the pope's favorability climbs to 61%, the poll said.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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That injury proved to be a turning point in that series, as the Pacers rallied back from an 0-2 deficit to win it in seven games.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Stem cells can also be reverse-engineered in labs from adult skin or blood cells.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
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Vladimir Putin is losing the Russian people as the economy and his war machine go in reverse amid withering Ukrainian attacks.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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