variants
or backwards
1
a
: toward the back or rear
She glanced backward over her shoulder.
b
: with the back foremost
Take three steps backward.
2
a
: in a reverse or contrary direction or way
Count backward from 10.
b
: toward the past
a journey backward in time
c
: toward a worse state
His new job felt like a step backward.
1
a
: directed or turned toward the back
a backward glance
b
: done or executed backward
a backward somersault
3
: less advanced in development or accomplishment than what is typical or expected
… said he felt the news media had given Jasper the image of a backward country town.—
Eli Rosenberg and Lindsey Bever
Eli Rosenberg and Lindsey Bever
backwardly
adverb
backwardness
noun
: the part behind or past
… the dark backward … of time …—Shakespeare
ShakespeareSynonyms
Adverb
Adjective
Examples of backward in a Sentence
Adverb
a sudden movement backward, not forward
I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.
He pushed the throttle backward.
She took a small step backward.
a journey backward in time
The narrative moves backward and forward in time.
Adjective
a technologically backward village that has no running water
a backward turn on ice skates is hard to learn because you can't see where you're going
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
Victims’ rights groups called it a step backward that will deter students from reporting assaults.
—Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Feb. 2025
But if done well—avoiding Sony’s mistakes when its PS5 Pro patches initially made games look worse—boosting backward compatibility could make Switch 2 the definitive home to at least two generations of gaming greatness.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025
Sanjay Datta, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2023
Then laughs from the back of the room while Paul sat with his hat on backward, chin up and a slight smirk.
—Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backward 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adverb
In 2013, for instance, researchers designed a reusable dry adhesive inspired by the gecko's feet that easily stuck to smooth surfaces, adhering strongly when pushed forward and sliding off when pulled backward.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
Victims’ rights groups called it a step backward that will deter students from reporting assaults.
—Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The first looks backward and involves the NCAA and member institutions paying about $2.78 billion over a 10-year period.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Feb. 2025
But if done well—avoiding Sony’s mistakes when its PS5 Pro patches initially made games look worse—boosting backward compatibility could make Switch 2 the definitive home to at least two generations of gaming greatness.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
In the weeks ahead, when the pundits are debating how to interpret the latest holiday spending numbers, keep in mind that one half-step backward may be the key to sticking a soft landing.
—Sanjay Datta, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2023
Then laughs from the back of the room while Paul sat with his hat on backward, chin up and a slight smirk.
—Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backward
Articles Related to backward
Dictionary Entries Near backward
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backward
2 of 2 adjective1
a
: directed or turned toward the back
a backward glance
b
: done backward
3
: slow in learning or development
backward nations
backwardly
adverb
backwardness
noun
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