variants
or upwards
1
a
: in a direction from lower to higher
the kite rose upward
b(1)
: toward the source (as of a river)
(2)
: toward the interior (as of a region)
c
: in a higher position
held out his hand, palm upward
d
: in the upper parts : toward the head : above
from the waist upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition or level
young lawyers moving upward
3
a
: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank
from $5 upward
b
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
attendance figures have risen upward
4
: toward or into later years
from youth upward
1
a
: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
an upward movement/flow
b
: directed toward the top (as of a piece of paper)
an upward stroke of the pen
c
: marked by an increase
an upward revision of the employment figures
2
: rising to a higher pitch
Her words had an upward inflection.
upwardly
adverb
upwardness
noun
Examples of upward in a Sentence
Adverb
The road gradually rose upward.
She directed my gaze upward.
They are moving upward socially and economically.
moving upward in the corporate world
Adjective
an upward revision of the vote tally
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
However it’s done, adding interest to your ceiling brings the eye upward and expands your space.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
2 July 2026
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 July 2026
So, what could possibly warrant a significant upward movement from this point?
—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for upward
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Adverb
The abdomen may significantly protrude, pushing the diaphragm upward and making breathing more difficult.
—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
However it’s done, adding interest to your ceiling brings the eye upward and expands your space.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
2 July 2026
Adjective
Skyline Media distributes more than 800 foreign films and represents more than 150 Vietnamese and Southeast Asian titles as sales agent, with a reach spanning more than 50 countries and territories through upward of 130 partnerships.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 July 2026
So, what could possibly warrant a significant upward movement from this point?
—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for upward
Cite this Entry
“Upward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upward
2 of 2 adjective
: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending
upwardly
adverb
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