abaft 1 of 2

Definition of abaftnext
as in aft
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft the lookout in the crow's nest warned that there was an enemy frigate abaft and bearing down hard on their ship

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abaft

2 of 2

preposition

as in behind
at, to, or toward the rear of a school of porpoises swam abaft the fishing boat

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abaft
Adverb
  • Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits.
    David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024
  • Open exterior decks forward and aft allow for a steady sea breeze, as the owner—who was last aboard his yacht in the summer of 2021—used to regularly enjoy.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2023
Preposition
  • Beyond keeping bugs away from your guests and food, the zapper also cuts down on the need for bug sprays, which can leave behind strong smells or residue.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • While in the clinic, behind the gee-wizardry of the modern diagnostics and next-generation medications, the practice of endocrinology remains rooted in one person telling their story and the other trying to interpret it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Abaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abaft. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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