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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 backwards
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
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Recent Examples of rearward
Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024
Most were initially posted to checkpoints and other rearward duties in their native regions, but that changed as the Army hemorrhaged personnel.
—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
The toe-control link is critical to achieving this, especially since the bushings allow the wheels to move rearward slightly to help absorb small, sharp bumps.
—Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022
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
The dash is bare-bones metal with a few modern touches, such as the nine-inch touchscreen for the Rockford Fosgate audio, and a somewhat gimmicky 12-inch overhead split screen that gives three rearward views from external cameras.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024
Most were initially posted to checkpoints and other rearward duties in their native regions, but that changed as the Army hemorrhaged personnel.
—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Adverb
That transfer case looks and functions very similarly to that of a Mercedes-Benz Unimog’s portal axles, with an onboard air compressor to engage it and gears that send power up and over the middle axle to a propshaft that continues rearward.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
The toe-control link is critical to achieving this, especially since the bushings allow the wheels to move rearward slightly to help absorb small, sharp bumps.
—Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
Noun
But the proportions have the classic long-hood, cab-rearward look.
—Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 16 May 2022
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
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Kemp claimed a rear window rolled down and someone inside shot at him.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
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Brand-specific front and rear elements are completed by double scoop behind the seats that makes the look sporty yet sophisticated.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Strong economic data Although virtually no economic reports are entirely good or bad, and with the obvious caveat that monthly economic data are inherently backward looking, US data have been surprisingly resilient lately.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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This is especially prevalent given that the conversation around size inclusivity in fashion has taken a backward turn in recent seasons.—
Alice Cary,
Vogue,
4 June 2025
Noun
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It can be kicked while kids are on their back, pawed at during tummy time, and played like a real piano (after being tilted up 90 degrees).—
Cameron LeBlanc,
Parents,
5 June 2025
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For those who experience back or hip pain, Troxel suggests sleeping on the back with a pillow under the knees.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Flanagan, also to his credit, goes all in on the legendary author’s unconventional storytelling, a lifetime that unfurls in three acts and in reverse.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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There are things private schools can do that public ones can’t, and the same is very much true in reverse.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rearward. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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