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as in backward
directed, turned, or done toward the back
the tearful girl gave a rearward glance to her younger brother as she was being led down the street for her first day at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also rearwards
as in backwards
toward the rear
turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rearward
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.
—Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
To get the shape just right, Mansory stripped the chassis down completely, removed all four of the standard doors, shifted the B-pillar rearward to make room for the new set and moved the hinges back a pillar.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2023
Behind this, the Batur's long hood gives apparent proof that even fully electric Bentleys will keep the brand's distinctive cab-rearward stance.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 Aug. 2022
Adverb
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Tugging the stick rearward triggers manual upshifts, with a forward flick for downshifts, akin to motorsport gearboxes.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.
—Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
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The same can’t quite be said to the rear seat area due to the sportback sloping roof, though headroom is only really maxed out for folks over six-feet tall (like yours truly), otherwise shoulder and leg room are surprisingly good.—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
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The only difference is that reflective tint in most states is not allowed anywhere on the windshield and can't be more than 35% on the front and rear windows.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s America looks backward—toward a gender order where men lead families and women follow.—
Sophia A. Nelson,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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On the other hand, speaking Spanish with a gringo accent could mark you as an outsider on the island, while not speaking English at all could be seen as backward in the diaspora.—
Héctor M. Varela Rios,
The Conversation,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The exterior features a discrete zippered laptop pocket on the back, a stretchy mesh water bottle holder on the side, and a slim, zippered front compartment perfect for stashing your keys, passport, and phone.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Sep. 2025
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Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Finkel lined up at wide receiver, took the ball on a reverse and threw an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Brayden Tautolo.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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José López fed former FC Barcelona player Vitor Roque a wonderful reverse pass.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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