variants
or backwards
1
as in back
toward the rear
looking backward, we could see the town receding in the distance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in down
toward the opposite direction
the loud noise prompted him to glance backward to see what was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
curiously, the quiet, backward man opened up when around other introverts
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 backward
PC Magazine, 17 July 2025
This essay extends the timeline backward while also globalizing the stakes: the Midwest becomes a node in a diasporic network of Black thought and activism.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
What should have been his biggest weakness—his origin in a seemingly backward country—was his greatest strength.
—Ekow Eshun
july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Adverb
Oddly, double-tapping the play button skips forward, but there’s no control for skipping backward.
—PC Magazine, 17 July 2025
This essay extends the timeline backward while also globalizing the stakes: the Midwest becomes a node in a diasporic network of Black thought and activism.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Adjective
The Ohio native wore Nike shorts and a T-shirt, accessorized with a backward white baseball hat.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
What should have been his biggest weakness—his origin in a seemingly backward country—was his greatest strength.
—Ekow Eshun
july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
-
Jim and Jeremy Janssen now live in North Carolina and Maryland, respectively — but traveled back to Detroit with a slew of family members for the puppet's induction into the Detroit Historical Museum.—
Emma George-Griffin,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
-
To expand Raptor Ranch and bring Bedrock City roaring back to life with playful attractions for all ages, because some childhood memories are just too good to stay extinct.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Adverb
-
Add extra blankets and sheets made from feathers, down, or wool to trap heat.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
-
This was down from 17,972 in the prior financial year, and below a forecast 16,800-17,200.—
Royston Wild,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The last time the Fed cut, in the final four months of 2024, Treasury yields rose almost in perfect reverse correlation to the rate reductions, and the same thing could happen again if markets perceive the Fed is surrendering its inflation-fighting credentials to placate Trump.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
19 July 2025
-
Ionescu drilled a pair of 3-pointers and made a tough reverse lay-up during a 10-point first quarter.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Notice if the child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or shows signs of distress connected to a friendship.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
-
Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
Adverb
-
Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 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
Adverb
-
Police records describe violence, a chaotic scene Officers responded to the shooting around 10 p.m. after witnesses reported the incident to airport dispatchers.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
27 July 2025
-
On top of the bathroom problems, the man says the kitchen is also a nightmare thanks to Jerry and Daisy, who leave dirty dishes around.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
The unembellished style is well suited for Lake Orta, the quietly beautiful but shy little sister of northern Italy’s more glamorous resort towns.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
And that group never has been shy in expressing its confidence.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Gomez, the lone Democrat on the commission, said she was troubled by Paramount’s payment to settle a suit brought by President Trump and by other concessions.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
24 July 2025
-
Emergency responders arrived on the scene and assisted the lone survivor.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share