forward 1 of 3

1
as in forwards
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time if you keep walking forward, you'll hit that wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in onwards
toward a point ahead in space or time from this day forward, our two nations will live in peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in front
being at or in the forward part or surface of something the ship's forward deck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

forward

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of forward are advance, further, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

Where would advance be a reasonable alternative to forward?

The words advance and forward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is further a more appropriate choice than forward?

While the synonyms further and forward are close in meaning, further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

When could promote be used to replace forward?

While in some cases nearly identical to forward, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of forward
Adverb
With Venus now moving forward in Pisces, we’re invited to finalize what needs closure in our relationships — with grace, care, and, where possible, forgiveness. Colin Bedell, Them., 3 Apr. 2025 Flavor Flav is owning up to his mistakes — and moving forward. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
With forward thinking and decisive leadership, Cambodia can secure the next 40-70 years of its energy supply while maintaining the forests and not sacrificing the environment. Suwanna Gauntlett, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 With strong forward guidance for FY2025, FCX offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to copper’s rally. Tony Zhang, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Local Michigan forwards Elle Hartje, Abby Roque and Taylor Girard all started the game for the Sirens. Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025 The company forwarded The Star’s request back to Dallas. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward
Adverb
  • Soccer can be tedious to watch unless the midfielders and forwards have enough ability to overcome the sport’s stiff barriers against offense.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The loss also spelled the end for the collegiate careers of guard Alvaro Cardenas and forwards Tyson Degenhart and O’Mar Stanley.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The panel did not stray from their earlier guesses for him, throwing out familiar names like Dave Matthews, Daryl Hall, and Pat Monahan of Train once more.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There was also a memorandum of agreement about the move signed on Monday by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek, according to one source familiar.
    Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, who is 8 months pregnant and due to deliver a son next month, sat in the front row of the gallery during the proceedings.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • For those who dream of catching the perfect wave just steps from their front door, the Cabo Real Surf Club is set to turn that fantasy into reality.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Dawn Staley, who’s undefeated in NCAA finals, is cautious in taking that fact into consideration.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Be cautious about fertilizing, as nitrogen can interfere with blooming.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.
    Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone with information is encouraged to call (410) 685-2022 or email mbelsky@sbwdlaw.com or cdickinson@sbwdlaw.com.
    Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • It was brought by Arizona State swimmer Grant House and Oregon (now TCU) basketball player Sedona Prince on behalf of a class of over 10,000 athletes who played NCAA Division-I sports from 2016 onward.
    Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Because from that moment onward there was no more joking between us.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Was proud of winning the school’s first district championship in 20 years.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Mizrahi - What was the proudest moment of your career?
    Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, the drainage of lesions, their pain, and the smell that advanced lesions can produce additionally cause patients to modify their social lives and interactions with others.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
  • More than 30 coin dealers will have high quality coins for the beginner to advanced collectors.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forward. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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