onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb They have lived in that house from 1983 onward. we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
The cucumbers were sold from April 29 onward, sometimes unlabeled, so when in doubt, throw them out. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 May 2025 The Kremlin deemed such a display unacceptable in wartime and began asserting its right to intrude into private life—something even the late Soviet Union, from the 1960s onward, generally avoided. Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Adjective
Their budgets, staffing numbers, promotions and onward assignments are all controlled by their home agency, not the State Department or the ambassador. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 Travelers who leave the main airport building for any reason or need to collect their bags and check them in for an onward flight will pass through border control. Michelle Baran, AFAR Media, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onward was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onward. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb
on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants also onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward
kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed or moving onward
the onward march of time

More from Merriam-Webster on onward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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