1
2
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 back
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
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.
Recent Examples of rearward
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—
Jim Carmichel,
Outdoor Life,
5 June 2025
C.c. Weiss
may 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2026
Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
6 Nov. 2025
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
27 Feb. 2023
The Urus's eight-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for Performante duty, and the all-wheel-drive system gets a different center differential that sends more torque rearward.
—
Eric Stafford,
Car and Driver,
19 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Adjective
In the event of an impact, the vehicle’s safety system automatically shifts the seats into a safer rearward position while deploying the helmet airbag at the same time as the side airbags, helping to reduce the risk of head and upper-body injuries.
—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
The trail gave way, and my horse toppled over in a twisting, rearward somersault.
—
Jim Carmichel,
Outdoor Life,
5 June 2025
Adverb
The floor plan centers around a single- or dual-seat lounge that faces rearward to provide views through the open entryway.
—
C.c. Weiss
may 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2026
Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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
The Urus's eight-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for Performante duty, and the all-wheel-drive system gets a different center differential that sends more torque rearward.
—
Eric Stafford,
Car and Driver,
19 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
Adjective
-
The vehicle sustained major rear damage and the front right tire struck the road’s curb.
-
In addition, the rear brake lever has been repositioned to be more accessible than before.
Adjective
-
But that works against backward compatibility, so the hope would be at least an optional disc drive will still be sold.
-
Coming into the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari brought with it an engine upgrade, and intrigue surrounded the team as the paddock tried to assess how much of a step forward — or backward — that could be.
Adverb
-
Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.
-
Now back in King’s Landing, Corlys is distracted at best, meeting with Rhaenyra’s small council to address the crown’s nonexistent funds — the latest on a long list of problems that need solving for the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Noun
-
Honeywell also completed a one-for-two reverse split, leaving the two securities at broadly comparable technical starting prices.
-
But the Philly show is a sting operation reverse-ambush.
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
