ONWARD Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

onward

adverb

ˈȯn-wərd

variants also onwards

Definition of onward

as in forward

toward a point ahead in space or time we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backward

as in along

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time work on the project has been continuing onward at a steady pace

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 onward Ivanov, close to Putin from the 1970s onwards, was distanced from official power several times but remained very well connected to the FSB. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Together, those projects aim to establish the hardware and operational experience needed for a sustained American presence on the Moon before astronauts venture onward to Mars. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 The route continues onward through Sacramento to Folsom, Auburn and Tahoe and into Nevada, where cyclists and equestrians will experience sections of the Pony Express route. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 The Health Department did not fulfill requests for data breaking down the different types of dispatches CARE completed from December 2024 onward. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onward

Adverb

Englewood City Council called a special session on Wednesday evening to discuss whether to have its fireworks show, ultimately deciding to move forward with it.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026
The sequence started with Bosnian defender Stjepan Radeljic sliding in front of a Tillman pass, deflecting it forward toward Muharemovic.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Mitchell and Hopkins, both forwards, would likely go in the second round if they’re drafted.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
The nation’s star forwards flourished in their 4-2 win over Croatia as Harry Kane registered a double and Jude Bellingham put England back in front after half-time, before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score a fourth.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Definition of forwards

Adverb

But, there’s a large segment of workers who cannot – service, maintenance, healthcare, emergency services, delivery, and so forth.

— Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
To remain an entertainment capital demands consistent reinvention, the showroom’s neon glow begetting the nightclub’s flashing LEDs and so on and so forth.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026

Definition of forth

Browse Nearby Words

onuses

onward

oodles

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of onward

adverb

Example Sentences

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