as in backwards
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft
if you turn around and look astern, you'll see dolphins following the boat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astern
Adverb
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Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits.—
David Swanson,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2024 -
Open exterior decks forward and aft allow for a steady sea breeze, as the owner—who was last aboard his yacht in the summer of 2021—used to regularly enjoy.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Those who need more range and strength for mixed terrain benefit from the Ausom L2 Max Dual Motor E-scooter, engineered with dual 1000W motors and advanced front and rear rocker-arm suspension.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
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That should mean much faster boarding on the new electric buses — including from the front and rear doors, which are level with the elevated station platforms.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The author left behind a complete manuscript, as well as a cover sketch and broad directives for the art direction.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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But the tech juggernaut’s rebound can be taken as a sign that the iPhone is still enough to excite consumers and Wall Street, even as the company falls behind in the AI race.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Walking backward could have meaningful benefits for joint health, chronic pain and even brain health, and there's scientific evidence to back it up.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
26 Oct. 2025
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To start with a wedding, then wait ’til later to figure out the details of who washes the dishes and whether the toilet seat stays down, sounds backwards but is certainly better than hostage-taking and war without an achievable end.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Astern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astern. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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