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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 backwards
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
Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Driving it, there’s no rearward visibility, thanks to the snorkel plucked from the STO, so reversing requires camera reliance and a prayer.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The interior is spacious considering the low-slung body, with loads of room for the seats to recline rearward since there is no engine taking up space behind the driver.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 15 June 2023
Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022
The Urus's eight-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for Performante duty, and the all-wheel-drive system gets a different center differential that sends more torque rearward.
—Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for rearward 
Adjective
Most were initially posted to checkpoints and other rearward duties in their native regions, but that changed as the Army hemorrhaged personnel.
—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Driving it, there’s no rearward visibility, thanks to the snorkel plucked from the STO, so reversing requires camera reliance and a prayer.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
Adverb
The toe-control link is critical to achieving this, especially since the bushings allow the wheels to move rearward slightly to help absorb small, sharp bumps.
—Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The interior is spacious considering the low-slung body, with loads of room for the seats to recline rearward since there is no engine taking up space behind the driver.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 15 June 2023
Noun
But the proportions have the classic long-hood, cab-rearward look.
—Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022
The Urus's eight-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for Performante duty, and the all-wheel-drive system gets a different center differential that sends more torque rearward.
—Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
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The head must be high, the feet body-width apart, sometimes with one rear hoof slightly behind the other.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Feb. 2025
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From there, an optional drop-down 59 x 83-in (150 x 210-cm) rear bed sleeps two more at night and moves out of the way in the day.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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His highlights of the weekend included a backward half-court shooting competition with the Nuggets’ mascot and a cute moment saying hello to Trae Young’s child.—
Bennett Durando,
The Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2025
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Taylor-Joy hasn’t been alone in rocking the backward necklace recently.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Ragin’ Cajuns football jerseys and a crucifix hang above the back counter.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
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This one's been updated with a slimmer build, a more secure fit for the magnetic pen, and a stronger back clip to attach it to bags and clothing.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The latter stars Brad Pitt as a man born with the physical appearance and ailments of an elderly person, who ages in reverse.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2025
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Spanglish Year: 2004 Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes Director: James L. Brooks Stars: Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, and Paz Vega James L. Brooks’s caustic comedy of family and class hits like a dark chocolate in reverse, the bitterness giving way to a faintly sweet finish.—
Charles Bramesco,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rearward
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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