on 1 of 3

1
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in onwards
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in forward
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of on
Preposition
The banner’s inaugural project, Magic City: An American Fantasy, will debut on Starz. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025 According to Quintard, the sky’s the limit on interpreting the original song. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 Horner was eventually cleared, the complaint was dismissed, and the employee was suspended based on findings from the independent investigation. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 For the first time after more than three decades as a band, Evanescence is No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • Access to passports, other IDs, and credit cards makes theft that much easier, so a pouch that protects against those RFID readers scanning our chips is a huge help.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • Lautner starred in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 as Elliot Murtaugh, one of the members of the rival family the Bakers go up against in the film.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adverb
  • His technical ability means that at club level, Tijuana often leave him out wide, an outlet for the team to move forward quickly.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Federal agencies were required to prepare a plan for making further reductions, but a federal judge in California ruled in May that the job cuts could not move forward.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022
  • The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Preposition
  • How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: Bring upon oneself, such as the wrath of an angry god.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Lugo's fate could be sealed in a few weeks if the Royals fail to get the ship back on course, and the Cubs should be at the top of the list to call upon leading up to the deadline.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adverb
  • One 29-year-old woman, about 5 foot 6 and 114 pounds, walked back and forth on the path while taking photos.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • Curry and Barkley's jabs have gone back and forth throughout the years, especially from their time at Capital One's The Match.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • Chesky went back to texting, and Barber moved along—to an Isabel Marant store on Broome and then to a former Isaac Mizrahi warehouse at 102 Wooster.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Mothers are asking me for food for their children, pregnant women who are six months along often weigh no more than 88 pounds.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • For family offices, this reduces operational risk while creating additional income diversification through conservation initiatives.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • This system keeps the robot operational around the clock, which is crucial in production environments where downtime can be costly.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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