sternward

adverb

ˈstərn-wərd How to pronounce sternward (audio)
variants or sternwards
Definition of sternwardnext
as in backward
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft a flight attendant hurried sternward to attend to the disturbance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sternward
  1. backward
  2. behind
  3. back
  4. aft
Adverb
  • As is standard for Scott’s collaborations, the lateral Swoosh sits backward — but there are a number of additional flourishes specific to the video game.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Asked about the highlight of her career, Gurjar doesn’t have to look backward.
    — Mehr Singh, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of backward
Adverb
  • More injuries to overcome FSU lost starting center Bradyn Welch-Joiner to injury when he was rolled up from behind in the second quarter.
    — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Nationwide, air medical services are filling the gaps left behind as rural hospitals close, convert to outpatient-only rural emergency hospitals, or stop offering unprofitable services like labor and delivery.
    — Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of behind
Adverb
  • The Times reached out to the actor’s representatives for details including the birth date and gender of the child but did not hear back.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • An auditor flagged those expenses, and the state later clawed them back.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits.
    — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024
  • Bars and Restaurants The best seat in the house was aft, on the Lido deck, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine with a flute of Champagne.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2023
Definition of aft
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.

Browse Nearby Words

sterns
sternward
Stetson
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Cite this Entry

“Sternward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sternward. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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