onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
Synonyms of onwardnext
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Synonyms of onward

Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb They have lived in that house from 1983 onward. we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
The man from the future drives his dwindling crew onward to face the final challenge, involving yet another sickly looking child (Artie Wilkinson-Hunt) who’s had way too much screen time and now holds the fate of the world in his keyboard-friendly fingertips. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026 Those abolitionists helped the freedom seekers travel onward toward Canada. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Guests onboard sipped champagne from the observation deck as the USCG Polar Star cleared the waters for their onward passage. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026 Mohammed bin Zayed City – earmarked as the capital’s primary passenger hub, positioned to serve suburban residential districts with onward connections planned via local transport networks. Keith J Fernandez, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onward was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onward. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb
on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants also onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward
kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed or moving onward
the onward march of time

More from Merriam-Webster on onward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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