on 1 of 3

1
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in onwards
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in forward
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

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 on
Preposition
The warning was issued at 6:31 a.m. on Monday, and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Monday at 7:08 a.m. Warning: Crash on northbound I-40/US-71 in Kansas City A crash has been reported on I-40/US-71 between 85th Street and 75th Street. Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025 Trump also issued 10% tariffs on Chinese imports over the weekend, but made no mention of the repeal on Monday. Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 More light rain fell periodically through the Bay Area on Monday, continuing a pattern that began Friday and ended a nearly month-long stretch without precipitation. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025 While the dead man’s identity and cause of death were not released by authorities on Monday, Police Chief Dave Wilske said the death is considered suspicious. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for on 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Following the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win against the Kansas City Chiefs, questions arose over whether they would be invited to, or go to, the White House, as is tradition for the winning team.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Doe is pursuing legal action for damages against him for economic, compensatory, non-economic (i.e. emotional distress and humiliation) and punitive damages.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • European allies have recently criticized the U.S. for moving forward with peace talks with Russia and appearing to sideline Ukraine, according to PBS Newshour.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Looking forward to watching him in the knockouts and in the Bundesliga run in.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022
  • The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Preposition
  • But hope and optimism have their limits, even among the heartiest suburbanite, who likely saw the news about the Kennedy construction delay debacle and felt put upon and frustrated — but not surprised.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
  • So no sense in taking bipartisan issues that were negotiated and agreed upon and then sticking them into something that has an uncertain future.
    Victoria Knight, Axios, 3 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Back at Kia Center for the first time in two weeks, coach Jamahl Mosley’s Magic fought back and forth against the Spurs on Saturday night searching for momentum to build off in order to get their season back on track.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Recent weeks saw the issue of bias in refereeing become a public debate between Madrid coach Ancelotti and his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, with both men snapping back and forth at each other at various times.
    Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • The complaint to the FCC moved along on a parallel track.
    Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
  • All the women are excited and sing along — finally, an artist these contestants don’t have to pretend to know! Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Starlink satellite constellation — the largest ever launched — currently has more than 6,900 operational spacecraft, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The problem prompted an engineering investigation in parallel with the Space Force's certification process, which required two successful flights before clearing Vulcan for operational service.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near on

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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