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as in withdrawn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
Troy Renck, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
But after spinning his microphone stand and tossing it toward the audience, Joel then appeared to stumble and fall backward, landing on his side.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025
There are no extra turns, backward movements, or skipping turns in this game.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Hold the ball too long in the NFL and retreat backward and Sanders will spend Sundays in a blue tent with a red face.
—Troy Renck, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
But after spinning his microphone stand and tossing it toward the audience, Joel then appeared to stumble and fall backward, landing on his side.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The chest and head of Leo resemble a backward question mark, with the moderately bright star Regulus marking the heart of the big cat.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025
There are no extra turns, backward movements, or skipping turns in this game.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
With Bogosian back, recalled David Jiricek was scratched.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
3 Mar. 2025
-
That means there are, at last, some bears and some cash, that can be coaxed back in with a cessation of presidential economic intervention.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
When the Dodgers were pushed to the brink of elimination, down 2-1 in the NL Division Series to the San Diego Padres, Roberts managed a bullpen game, sparking a run of 24 consecutive scoreless innings that extended into the next round.—
Fabian Ardaya,
The Athletic,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The 10 titles in the week’s overall Nielsen rankings combined for 9.27 billion minutes of viewing, down from 10.87 billion a week earlier (a decline of about 15 percent).—
Rick Porter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Tesla shares reverse gains Tesla share prices have dropped for seven straight weeks, closing Friday 0.3% down at $262.67.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2025
-
The capital gains taxes will eat up any remaining equity after that reverse loan is paid.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Nicky Jam has released his first project since facing stark backlash for his (withdrawn) endorsement of Donald Trump.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.8 4.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
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
-
Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.—
Evan Williams,
Ars Technica,
18 July 2024
Adverb
-
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, March 5, that the baby died after losing consciousness at around 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Sources close to the production tell us that around 20 people have been similarly affected.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Those directly involved, however, were never shy to say that Jones’ role and level of play proved critical for a group that went from one of the NFL’s worst to among its very best.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2025
-
An important late-season matchup is in store, as Brighton (43 points, 8th place) and Fulham (42 points, 9th place) sit only a few points shy of Nottingham Forest (48 points, 3rd place) in the Premier League table.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Moore is the lone woman in a boys’ club of celebrated actors, including Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, and Kevin Spacey.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Atlanta's lone run came in the seventh inning when Luke Williams hit a solo home run to left field.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to backward
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share