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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
Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
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
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
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Adverb
When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
—New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
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
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
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The Outback continues to balance passenger comfort with true utility thanks to its 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, multi-use cargo area and substantial roof rail system capable of supporting up to 800 pounds of static load capacity.—
Tim Jackson,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
-
Atlanta Golf and Social is located in the rear corner of the food hall, offering a quieter respite from the bustling dining room.—
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Michal Strahilevitz, a professor of marketing at Saint Mary's College of California who studies business ethics, thinks the whole compensation framework is backward.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Sustained excellence rests on timely, decision‑relevant data that enables early action, not backward reporting, and clear ownership from strategy through execution, ensuring accountability sits with impact.—
Daniah Robertson,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adverb
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The red leather booths and wooden bar date back to the early 20th century and the walls are covered in flags from American universities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Noem's private jets are back in the spotlight.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The results played into a popular narrative that Rudd seems to be aging in reverse.—
Lacey Rose,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
-
These were not tacos reverse-engineered for a white-tablecloth audience or softened for white palates.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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