rearward 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
Definition of rearwardnext
1
as in rear
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part got rearward quarters aboard the ship

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rearward

2 of 3

adverb

ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
variants also rearwards
as in back
toward the rear turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rearward

3 of 3

noun

as in reverse

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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
Adjective
Porsche Jonathan Gitlin Yes, the cage and rear wing obscure your rearward vision quite significantly. — Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025 Rockets generate propulsive force, also known as thrust, by expelling high-velocity exhaust in a rearward stream. — Kai James, The Conversation, 26 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
Noun
The very rear of that wardrobe console features a separate section with a tall, slim split cabinet facing rearward. — New Atlas, 10 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rearward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rearward
  1. rear
  2. backward
  3. back
  4. reverse
Adjective
  • The vehicle sustained major rear damage and the front right tire struck the road’s curb.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • In addition, the rear brake lever has been repositioned to be more accessible than before.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Definition of rear
Adjective
  • But that works against backward compatibility, so the hope would be at least an optional disc drive will still be sold.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of backward
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.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of back
Noun
  • Honeywell also completed a one-for-two reverse split, leaving the two securities at broadly comparable technical starting prices.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But the Philly show is a sting operation reverse-ambush.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of reverse

Browse Nearby Words

rears
rearward
rearwards
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Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rearward

Nglish: Translation of rearward for Spanish Speakers

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