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2
as in backward
directed, turned, or done toward the back
the tearful girl gave a rearward glance to her younger brother as she was being led down the street for her first day at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also rearwards
as in back
toward the rear
turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rearward
New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
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
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
Whichever seats the buyer chooses, they're designed to be faced forward or rearward, allowing for vis-a-vis business van configurations that promote meetings and discussion on the move.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 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
Noun
To get the shape just right, Mansory stripped the chassis down completely, removed all four of the standard doors, shifted the B-pillar rearward to make room for the new set and moved the hinges back a pillar.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
-
The impact sends both men hurling to the pavement, and the shoeless rear passenger can be seen hobbling on one foot afterward.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The cynic in me might argue that having only a rear plate is a result of lobbying by various entities, such as insurance companies, who would be happy to not be able to pay out due to the inability to identify the offending vehicle.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When all are well mixed, pour on the boiling Ale by degrees, beating up the mixture continually; then pour it rapidly backward and forward from one jug to another, keeping one jug raised high above the other; till the flip is smooth and finely frothed.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
It can be pointed forward, backward, sideways, or anywhere in between, independently of the drone’s body position.—
Etiido Uko
March 30,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Phelps arrived at Boise State as a walk-on and was treated as a defensive back at first.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The video ends as the driver retrieves what appears to be a firearm from the street, before both men climb back onto the scooter and ride off-screen.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But remember — the formula works in reverse, too.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Plus, its 8000mAh battery not only lasts all day but also supports reverse charging.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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