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as in withdrawn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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of backward
Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
But after losing superstar infielder Willy Adames to free agency and now Williams to a trade, Milwaukee seems to be taking steps backward.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
The current arrangement for the sale of libations does not make Maryland a backward state.
— Michael Jungblut, Perry Hall
Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backward 
Adverb
The felony suspect then tried to kick him again but missed and fell backward, allowing Bissonnette to flee to a nearby business, court documents detailed.
—Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
But after losing superstar infielder Willy Adames to free agency and now Williams to a trade, Milwaukee seems to be taking steps backward.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Shoulder hyperextension: Sports like football, tennis, and baseball—where forceful, backward arm movements can strain the shoulder joint—are common causes.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
The current arrangement for the sale of libations does not make Maryland a backward state.
— Michael Jungblut, Perry Hall
Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
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However, Orton has been off WWE television as of late ever since Kevin Owens delivered a piledriver to him back in November.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
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Illinois defensive back Jaheim Clarke was injured on a play and tended to by trainers and his head coach, Bret Bielema. Bielema, apparently, was not pleased, and taunted South Carolina with a substitution signal.Ryan Morik, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Tomlin faced two choices on fourth down: Option A: Punt and give Joe Burrow around 40 seconds to drive the length of the field.Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
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But the market has gotten too down on the stock because of management’s history of strong execution and discipline.Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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And in the United States, the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter and the world’s largest oil and gas producer, the incoming presidential administration is at best going to ignore climate change and at worst actively reverse policies for limiting warming.Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024
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Tackling all forms of discrimination, including reverse ageism, is essential for creating equitable policies that align with modern social values.Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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But the film doesn’t glamorize Callas, and instead portrays her as sad and withdrawn.Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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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
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Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
Adverb
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And there would be a lot more drama this time around as OnlyFangs would be diving headfirst into the world of roleplaying, demanding that everyone involved fully commit to the bit.Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025
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The police said around 90 people were inside the location for the event.Bradford Betz, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Kassandra starts a little shy while meeting new coworkers, who wouldn’t be a little shy on their first day?Rob Gagnon, Hartford Courant, 23 Dec. 2024
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As a result, the Predators weren’t shy about confronting Crosby.Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In his lone year as a defensive coordinator, his 2017 Houston Texans defense underwhelmed.Chad Graff, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
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The plane had 181 people on board, and just two lone survivors – identified as 32-year-old Lee and 25-year-old Kwon, both flight attendants – were pulled from the tail end of the fiery aircraft alive.Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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