as in aft
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft
if you turn around and look astern, you'll see dolphins following the boat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astern
Adverb
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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
Adjective
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And indeed, one of its most unique elements is a cast-iron spiral staircase that once led from Lennon and Ono’s apartment to a roof terrace but now, fully restored, connects the the parlor-floor living room to the rear garden.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
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These include rear-view mirrors mounted to the handlebars, front and rear turn signals, a compact digital dash, a sidestand, and a license-plate holder.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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At one point, NBC’s color commentator Cris Collinsworth openly wondered how many yards Walker had picked up after going backward.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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In a 76-73 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday night, Fears swung his leg backward into Langston Reynolds’ groin area after the whistle when Reynolds was called for a foul on Fears.—
Larry Lage,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Ecologist Greta Wengert stared down the pockmarked hillside at a pile of pesticide sprayers left behind, long after the raid.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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The higher heating bills will likely leave more Americans behind on their utility bills.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Astern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astern. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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