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
He was born in Chicago and raised on the South side of town. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 11 May 2025 Children need to be able to work on the project for up to 30 minutes at a time. Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025 More information on rabies is available on the county’s website, sandiegocounty.gov. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 The Gophers men’s basketball program picked up an in-state commitment as its first pledge in the 2026 class on Saturday. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
Preposition
  • 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
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a double and drives in a run against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies during their game at Citi Field on May 30, 2025 in New York City.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • The Dodgers were originally still planning to have Betts in the lineup Friday for their series opener against the New York Yankees, but he was ultimately scratched after his toe continued to give him problems before the game.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • If the execution moves forward this time, Smith will be the first inmate executed in Tennessee since 2020 and the 19th in the U.S. this year.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Shawnee residents can look forward to the Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center and Splash Cove opening on May 24.
    Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 21 May 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
  • Beyond the fact that using AI tools to write is generally frowned upon and considered to be unethical, AI writing has become so ubiquitous that using AI or modeling one’s work off of it is a surefire way to make your materials blend into a sea of other cookie-cutter essays.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • During the hearing over the next two days, attorneys for the brothers are expected to call upon past prosecutors, former inmates and corrections personnel to testify on their rehabilitation efforts.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
Adverb
  • Celebrities such as Rihanna, Aubrey Plaza, Eva Longoria, Emily Ratajkowski and Joey King have all put their own twist on the pastel, while Bottega Veneta, Schiaparelli and Sandy Liang have all put forth takes on it on the runway.
    FN Staff, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
  • With the final game going back and forth, Cameron relieved Vincent Borghese, but LIU tied the game in the eighth inning.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
Adverb
  • The push-pull of the protagonists’ bond keeps the film humming along, both in ludicrous and heartfelt moments.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The greatest storm chances will be through Monday morning and evening along and south of Interstate 20.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • This facility, which will be fully operational later in 2025, was constructed with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the wider SCAPES project.
    Matthew Sturchio, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • During operational missions, SpaceX plans to bring both Super Heavy and Ship back to Starbase for launch-tower catches.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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