1 onward | Definition of onward

onward

adverb
on·​ward | \ ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio) , ˈän-\
variants: or less commonly onwards \ ˈȯn-​wərdz How to pronounce onwards (audio) , ˈän-​ \

Definition of onward

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

adjective

Definition of onward (Entry 2 of 2)

: directed or moving onward : forward

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Synonyms for onward

Synonyms: Adverb

ahead, forth, forward, on

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Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb

They have lived in that house from 1983 onward. we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

From the 1970s onward, Ms. Lynley worked mostly in television, making guest appearances on various shows. New York Times, "Carol Lynley, Star of ‘Blue Denim’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure,’ Dies at 77," 6 Sep. 2019 Thinkers from Nietzsche onward have found fault with Christianity for exalting submission. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, "Sex and Power in “The Catholic School”," 19 Aug. 2019 This is the second feedback loop grinding onward alongside the first, a sort of automation-procrastination complex. Sidney Fussell, The Atlantic, "People Are Starting to Realize How Voice Assistants Actually Work," 15 Aug. 2019 From this point onward, the planet will seem to move away from the solar disk, slowly climbing higher in our skies and out of the glare of the sun. Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Perseids peak, and more top stargazing events in August," 1 Aug. 2019 Officer Clark’s camera then captures Sansbury shooting backwards at the officers and falling behind a white sedan before continuing onward. Hanna Krueger, nola.com, "Footage shows suspects in Uptown CVS shootout fired first, striking officer in shoulder," 25 June 2019 To get around these obstructions and continue onward to the sea, the ice sheets flow slowly toward areas of least resistance—mountain passes. Barry Lopez, Harper's magazine, "Polar Light," 10 Jan. 2019 From Apollo onward, America's space capability has stood as a symbol of hope to billions around the world and a reminder of the promise of science to advance the human race. Charles Beames For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "America is losing the space race," 17 July 2019 From his teenage years onward, Mr. Clegg ventured with ever greater boldness across racial lines. Alan Cowell, New York Times, "Johnny Clegg, South African Singer Who Battled Apartheid With Music, Is Dead at 66," 17 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Buffer states are regimes cultivated by destination countries to block migrants and prevent their onward mobility, often neighboring countries that are unstable, war-torn and migrant-generating themselves. Paul A. Kramer, The New Republic, "The Harsh World of Offshore Borders," 8 Aug. 2019 That is part of a phenomenon known as secondary or onward migration, made possible by what is essentially border-free travel through much of Europe within what is known as the Schengen area. Steven Erlanger, New York Times, "E.U. Leader Warns of ‘Worst-Case Scenarios,’ Citing Trump," 27 June 2018 Upon arrival at Nadi International Airport you will be met by the guest relations officer from Laucala Island Resort who will assist you with your luggage and onward connecting flight. Tom Ricketts, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to Fiji," 5 Oct. 2016 The journalists were told that their onward travel would involve a 12-hour train ride, followed by a four-hour bus journey, and then a hike to get to the site, which is over 300 miles from Wonsan. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, "For foreign journalists, a lengthy and bizarre journey to see a North Korean nuclear test site demolition," 24 May 2018 This is a straight-ahead trio for the ages, fed by a tension between Mr. Jarrett’s resolute, lapidary touch and the collective’s shape-shifting, onward drive. Jon Pareles, New York Times, "The Playlist: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Unite, and 12 More New Songs," 2 Mar. 2018 Helen Maguire, director of consumer sales, said the airline is working with Irish tourism officials to encourage customers to spend a few days in Ireland before making onward connections. Andrew Maykuth, Philly.com, "Aer Lingus cleared for takeoff at Philadelphia airport," 30 Jan. 2018 Notify the embassy of your whereabouts, status, and onward travel plans online via the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. Cynthia Drescher, CNT, "Bali's Mount Agung Volcano: What Travelers Should Know," 26 Sep. 2017 The animal was supposed to fly an onward leg to Kansas City, Mo., after landing at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport. Fox News, "United Airline controversies: From revoking toddler's seat to David Dao’s removal," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'onward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of onward

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for onward

onward

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of onward

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to or toward what is ahead in space or time

onward

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of onward (Entry 2 of 2)

: moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition

onward

adverb
on·​ward | \ ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio) , ˈän-\

Kids Definition of onward

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward From then onward she trusted him. The river flows onward to the coast.

onward

adjective

Kids Definition of onward (Entry 2 of 2)

: directed or moving forward There's no stopping the onward march of time.

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More from Merriam-Webster on onward

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for onward

Spanish Central: Translation of onward

Nglish: Translation of onward for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of onward for Arabic Speakers