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as in withdrawn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
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Recent Examples of backward
Peter Baugh, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
The valves normally keep blood from flowing backward.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 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
Zibanejad threw his head backward in frustration after the play.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
The valves normally keep blood from flowing backward.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 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
-
Meghan Markle will never win over UK public again, author claims Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of 'My Mother and I,' discusses how the Duchess of Sussex isn't going to be welcomed back across the pond anytime soon following her royal exit.—
Elizabeth Stanton,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
With few options left, Adam begins considering and concocting ways to enact vengeance, but Basem, having been down that rageful path, advises him otherwise.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Imports during the final six months of 2025 are now expected to be down at least 20 percent year over year, Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
International agreements such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions establish global standards that directly affect American companies’ ability to market products abroad and manage reverse logistics and material recovery.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
This is designed with four large, leaf-like blades that move in three speeds—also in reverse directions—and look straight out of the tropics.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 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
-
Justin’s 10 birdies Sunday were one shy of the Masters single-round record, held by Anthony Kim (second round in 2009).—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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Our analysis looking at US Treasury data shows foreign investors owned just shy of $17 trillion of US stocks as of Q2 2024, which is the latest available information.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The one dubbed Half-Man/Half-Amazin’ answered the leaper’s calling though reputation was his lone reward.—
Marcus Thompson II,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
-
The Flower Mound, Texas native finished his lone football season at Utah with four touchdowns on four receptions for 54 yards in 12 games.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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