variants
or backwards
1
as in back
toward the rear
looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in down
toward the opposite direction
the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 backward
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Wicked actor Marissa Bode fell backward in her wheelchair while filming 'Dancing Through Life'
Those who know Wicked or even The Wizard of Oz likely know Nessarose's ultimate fate, which will come in Wicked: For Good (in theaters Nov. 21).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Roshan Mahant, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
This backward motion began to manifest itself after Mars arrived at its first stationary point on Dec. 7.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
But on balance, this sentiment gets things backward: The law is both good for business and for America’s broader global interests.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Wicked actor Marissa Bode fell backward in her wheelchair while filming 'Dancing Through Life'
Those who know Wicked or even The Wizard of Oz likely know Nessarose's ultimate fate, which will come in Wicked: For Good (in theaters Nov. 21).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Versioning and backward compatibility maintain service continuity in microservices architecture while enabling the smooth management of system changes.
—Roshan Mahant, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
This backward motion began to manifest itself after Mars arrived at its first stationary point on Dec. 7.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
The major profit generator for five of the world’s biggest mining companies, BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Vale and Anglo American, iron ore has eased back by around 5% from $103 a ton to $98/t a ton over the past week, a fraction of the 15% fall by copper and oil.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Despite their personalities, Gina explained that their age is often what holds them back from being adopted.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The markets have been down, and consumer confidence sliding.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Users are reporting that X is down, but people may have an easier time accessing the social media platform owned by Elon Musk on a computer.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There were moments of sheer genius — a deft reverse pass to find Leroy Sane in a 7-2 win against Stoke City; a free kick rolled under the wall against Cardiff City, a defence-splitting ball to drag Manchester City back into the game at Newcastle.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Mod cons are added from the ‘Expression’ trim onwards and buyers get 17-inch alloy wheels, a reverse camera, a 7-inch instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Jade and John told Dateline both had noticed their daughter was acting a bit withdrawn in the period leading up to her disappearance.—
Veronica Fulton,
NBC News,
12 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.—
Sean Evans,
Robb Report,
5 Aug. 2024
Adverb
-
Put up photos of nature, move your desk around, or paint a wall with chalkboard paint for ideating.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Movement test: Raise your arms, bend over, and move around.—
Bianca London,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The comedian isn’t shy about bringing up his children during his shows and specials, including his 2025 Netflix special, Bert Kreischer: Lucky.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Over on the Official Physical Singles list, the same title lands at No. 42, just a couple of spots shy of becoming a top 40 seller across the rankings once more.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In his lone year with Mizzou, Pyne appeared in five games, most notably relieving three-year starter Brady Cook in contests versus Auburn, Alabama and Oklahoma as Cook dealt with hand and ankle injuries.—
Amelia Hurley,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Rickard Rakell scored Pittsburgh’s lone goal on the power play, but Mikheyev reached the 20-goal plateau for just the second time in his six-year career on the empty netter.—
Phil Thompson,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share