rearward

1 of 3

noun

rear·ward ˈrir-ˌwȯrd

Synonyms of rearward

: rear

especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward

2 of 3

adjective

rear·ward ˈrir-wərd

: located at, near, or toward the rear

: directed toward the rear

a rearward glance

rearward

3 of 3

adverb

rear·ward ˈrir-wərd

variants or less commonly rearwards

ˈrir-wərdz

: at, near, or toward the rear : backward

looking rearward

Synonyms of rearward

Relevance

Adjective

rear
back

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of rearward in a Sentence

Adjective the rearward section of the store got rearward quarters aboard the ship Adverb turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

But the proportions have the classic long-hood, cab-rearward look. — Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022 The very rear of that wardrobe console features a separate section with a tall, slim split cabinet facing rearward. — New Atlas, 10 June 2026

Adjective

The harness height depends on whether your child's car seat faces forward or rearward. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026 Plus, the vehicle will now have rearward-opening doors on the sides. — Ben Coxworth may 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026

Adverb

Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for rearward

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French rereguard, rerewarde rear guard

Adjective

rear entry 2 + -ward

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of rearward was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rearward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rearward

1 of 2 adjective

rear·ward ˈri(ə)r-wərd

: located at, near, or toward the rear

: directed toward the rear : backward

rearwardly adverb

rearward

2 of 2 adverb

variants also rearwards

-wərdz

: at, near, or toward the rear : backward

rearward

noun

adjective

adverb

Synonyms of rearward

Examples of rearward in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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