upward

1 of 2

adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd How to pronounce upward (audio)
variants or upwards
1
a
: in a direction from lower to higher
the kite rose upward
b(1)
: toward the source (as of a river)
(2)
: toward the interior (as of a region)
c
: in a higher position
held out his hand, palm upward
d
: in the upper parts : toward the head : above
from the waist upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition or level
young lawyers moving upward
3
a
: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank
from $5 upward
b
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
attendance figures have risen upward
4
: toward or into later years
from youth upward

upward

2 of 2

adjective

1
: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
2
: rising to a higher pitch
upwardly adverb
upwardness noun

Examples of upward in a Sentence

Adverb The road gradually rose upward. She directed my gaze upward. They are moving upward socially and economically. moving upward in the corporate world Adjective an upward revision of the vote tally
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adverb
Some are now speculating that the central bank could even forgo a cut altogether if there are signs that inflation has begun to creep upward. Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 Pricing for the collection begins at $50 and goes upward to $550. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Although revenue growth may slow, Amazon’s margins are clearly on an upward trajectory. Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In the 2020 election, U.S. stocks rose immediately after Election Day and continued their upward climb even after Trump contested the results. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upward 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

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

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upward was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near upward

Cite this Entry

“Upward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

upward

1 of 2 adverb
up·​ward ˈəp-wərd How to pronounce upward (audio)
variants or upwards
1
: in a direction from lower to higher
the land rises upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition
worked my way upward in the business
3
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
prices shot upward

upward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending
upwardly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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