rearward 1 of 3

1
as in back
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part got rearward quarters aboard the ship

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rearward

2 of 3

adverb

variants also rearwards

rearward

3 of 3

noun

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 rearward
Adjective
To get the shape just right, Mansory stripped the chassis down completely, removed all four of the standard doors, shifted the B-pillar rearward to make room for the new set and moved the hinges back a pillar. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023 Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
Adverb
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault. Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025 Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024 Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge. Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • His inclusion could come across as a cynical ploy, a way of measuring social progress in a backward town.
    Grace Byron, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Whereas therapy looks backward to heal, and self-help often floats in abstraction, Space of mind looks forward, quantifying how identity, beliefs, and emotions evolve over time.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There is growing optimism that the global oil glut—exacerbated by ongoing OPEC production hikes—will peak in the first half of 2026, allowing for the industry to rebound in the back half of next year, CEOs said.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • One that’s without obvious world class centre-backs in the absence of Gleison Bremer.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Coast Guard personnel issued multiple verbal commands to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to comply and proceeded to put the vehicle in reverse.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Coast Guard personnel told the driver to stop several times but the driver then allegedly put the truck in reverse and suddenly sped backward toward the Coast Guard security officials, DHS said on Friday.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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