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
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.
Adverb
The speaker is rounded, and most of its front and top are protected by a grille that covers its subwoofer, six mid-woofers, and seven tweeters (two of which fire upward for spatial audio). PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 One big risk to the tax titles of the IRA is a possible Republican move to cap its currently uncapped energy tax incentives, which could significantly slim down credits that many now expect to cost upward of $1 trillion. Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Those policies, if enacted, could put upward pressure on prices, wages and the federal deficit, according to many estimates. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 The current market consensus is Trump's policies on immigration, tax cuts and tariffs would put upward pressure on inflation, bond yields and the dollar. Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss, USA TODAY, 5 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 23 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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