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as in withdrawn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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of backward
Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
This feature prevents a vehicle from rolling backward (or forward) when it is stopped on an incline, and Harbinger tested it in low-traction conditions with ice and snow.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2024
Leaning backward usually signals feelings of dislike, dismissal, or negativity.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.d., Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backward 
Adverb
On Sunday, November 25, 2025, clocks will be turned backward one hour from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. local standard time.
—Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
This feature prevents a vehicle from rolling backward (or forward) when it is stopped on an incline, and Harbinger tested it in low-traction conditions with ice and snow.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The current arrangement for the sale of libations does not make Maryland a backward state.
— Michael Jungblut, Perry Hall
Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2024
Leaning backward usually signals feelings of dislike, dismissal, or negativity.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.d., Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward
Adverb
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She was eventually shipped back to the U.S. and charged with federal crimes, then captured a couple weeks later trying to sneak into Canada.Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
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There are no practice starts without consequences in the minor leagues to ease the transition back to top-tier competition.Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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Wilson again sought out Napoletano, tracking her down in Washington.Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
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The survey found that respondents expected to spend a little less on gifts this year – down about 3% year over year.Melissa Repko, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Reverse sear: There are many recipes for tenderloin, and other cuts of meat, that call for reverse searing.Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
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Also on Friday, the company announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective December 24th.Wes Davis, The Verge, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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But the film doesn’t glamorize Callas, and instead portrays her as sad and withdrawn.Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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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
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Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge.Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024
Adverb
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Kat Merck The Best Camera Bags, Straps, and Backpacks Tote your photo and video gear around in style.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
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South Korea’s Constitutional Court began proceedings against Yoon on Monday and has around six months to determine whether to uphold the impeachment.Jason Ma, Fortune Asia, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Kassandra starts a little shy while meeting new coworkers, who wouldn’t be a little shy on their first day?Rob Gagnon, Hartford Courant, 23 Dec. 2024
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As a result, the Predators weren’t shy about confronting Crosby.Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson both emerged from the Negro Ensemble Company, once America’s foremost black theatrical institution, but its influence came from mainstream media, which shifted interest to the lone figure of August Wilson in the mid ’80s.Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
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Interestingly, months before the event in a lone 25-meter race dual meet against Florida, Walsh broke three American records and set a new world record in 100 IM, giving the fans an idea of what to expect in Budapest.Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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