outward

1 of 3

adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

1

: moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center

an outward flow

2

a

: situated on the outside : exterior

b

: able to be seen

outward beauty

no outward evidence of injury

3

: of or relating to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life

Their marriage was still quite normal to/by/from all outward appearances.

4

: external

outward

2 of 3

adverb

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

variants or outwards

ˈau̇t-wərdz 

1

: toward the outside

2

obsolete : on the outside : externally

outward

3 of 3

noun

: external form, appearance, or reality

Synonyms of outward

Adjective

• outer
• exterior

Noun

• face
• appearance
• effect
• impression
• seeming
• semblance

Examples of outward in a Sentence

Adjective

They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.

She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.

To all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.

outward symptoms of the disease

The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.

He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.

Adverb

The window faces outward toward the street.

Stand with your heels together, toes pointing outward.

air flowing outwards from the lungs

Noun

never was there in a man such a fine, heroic outward and such a cowardly interior

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Burnout, by contrast, is a harder reason for many owners to say out loud, especially when the business is still healthy, and the outward signs of success remain firmly in place. — Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

The Sphere's outward display will also provide additional complementary programming for the fireworks shows. — Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Adverb

The Iroquois Theatre fire resulted in reforms such as fireproof scenery and stage curtains, illuminated exits and doors that open outward. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

These often more concerning sprains result from twisting or outward rotating your foot. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Noun

In IconArrows pointing outwards Meanwhile, Bory highlights the European Central Bank's move earlier this month. — Emma Wilson, CNBC, 27 June 2026

And there’s ample room to grow outwards to the East and West coasts. — Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing outward

• outward-bound
• outward looking
• to/by all (outward) appearances

Kids Definition

outward

1 of 2 adjective

out·​ward ˈau̇t-wərd 

1

: moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center

an outward flow

2

: showing on the outside

outward signs of fear

outward

2 of 2 adverb

variants or outwards

-wərdz 

: toward the outside

the city stretches outward for miles

fold it outward