1 rearward | Definition of rearward

rearward

noun
rear·​ward | \ ˈrir-ËŒwȯrd How to pronounce rearward (audio) \

Definition of rearward

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: rear especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward

adjective
rear·​ward | \ ˈrir-wÉ™rd How to pronounce rearward (audio) \

Definition of rearward (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : located at, near, or toward the rear
2 : directed toward the rear a rearward glance

rearward

adverb
rear·​ward | \ ˈrir-wÉ™rd How to pronounce rearward (audio) \
variants: or less commonly rearwards \ ˈrir-​wÉ™rdz How to pronounce rearwards (audio) \

Definition of rearward (Entry 3 of 3)

: at, near, or toward the rear : backward looking rearward

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Synonyms & Antonyms for rearward

Synonyms: Adjective

aft, after, back, hind, hinder, hindmost, posterior, rear

Synonyms: Adverb

back, backward (or backwards)

Antonyms: Adjective

anterior, fore, forward, front, frontal

Antonyms: Adverb

ahead, along, forth, forward, forwards, on, onward (also onwards)

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Examples of rearward in a Sentence

Adjective

the rearward section of the store got rearward quarters aboard the ship

Adverb

turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

With all three rows deployed, the Traverse could swallow all five of our small suitcases without obstructing our rearward vision. Ben Stewart, Popular Mechanics, "Cargo Showdown: Which Crossover SUV Is Best for Hauling Your Stuff?," 4 Aug. 2018 The Model 3 also sports a minimal front overhang, low hood, cab-rearward proportions and a luxurious axle-to-dash ratio. Dan Neil, WSJ, "First Test Drive of the Tesla Model 3 Performance: A Thrilling, Modern Marvel," 19 July 2018 All-wheel drive is optional on the C300 and standard on the C43; the C43’s system has a more pronounced rearward torque bias of 69 percent versus 55 percent in the C300 4Matic. Jens Meiners, Car and Driver, "2019 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe and Cabriolet: More Power Leads the Updates," 20 Mar. 2018 Negatives: Back seat tight for three adults; limited rearward visibility for driver. G. Chambers Williams Iii, star-telegram, "C-HR brings small crossover entry to Toyota lineup, starting at $22,500 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 28 Apr. 2018 What exactly was the point of having an anti-tank gun facing rearward? Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russian Museum Recreates WWII-Era 'Land Battleship'," 18 Apr. 2018 In crew cabs, some of that storage space is rearward, under the flat floor. Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Ram scores first strike as roomier, cushier all-new 2019 Ram 1500 begins shipping," 26 Mar. 2018 And there’s a strong zicka line that slices from the leading edge of the front doors and streaks rearward along the shoulder line while yet another lower body accent crease angles upward toward the rear wheel. Mark Maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Buick Regal TourX: A welcome wagon," 23 Mar. 2018 There’s also a lack of rearward visibility that’s pure ’69 Mach 1. James Lipman, Car and Driver, "2018 Audi A5 Sportback vs. 2018 BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 2018 Kia Stinger AWD," 1 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The rearward hand, and that half of his body, propelled the tool; the forward hand, on the wood, resisted. The Economist, "Obituary: David Esterly died on June 15th," 28 June 2019 The two engine nozzles are buried inside the tail of the aircraft, reducing its rearward radar aspect, and are shielded horizontally by the large horizontal stabilizers. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Is This China’s Stealth Bomber?," 9 Apr. 2018 The wagon body style’s thick rearmost pillar creates some blockage and, thus, rearward visibility is average for the segment. Michael Simari, Car and Driver, "2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class Wagon," 14 Dec. 2017 The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning detects when another vehicle may have entered the car's rearward path, such as backing out of a parking spot, and provides a driver alert. Terry Troy, cleveland.com, "Hyundai rolls out the its new subcompact crossover," 17 Dec. 2017 Rather than harnessing recoil, the device rapidly resets the trigger and pushes the trigger finger forward, spitting out bullets as the shooter applies rearward pressure with the trigger finger. Joe Palazzolo, WSJ, "Clash in Indiana Asks, ‘What Is a Machine Gun?’," 7 Oct. 2017 The extra-fast roofline constricts rearward visibility, so a backup camera with LCD display in the rearview mirror is standard equipment. Dan Neil, WSJ, "Why Toyota’s CH-R Might Win the Small-Car Showdown," 28 Sep. 2017 A rocker switch directs the battery current to produce forward or rearward thrust. John Pearley Huffman, Car and Driver, "Mobility Scooter Showdown: Whill Model A vs. Golden Tech Buzzaround EX vs. Pride Mobility Victory 10 LX," 21 June 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

When the breechblock was pulled rearward, all of the firing pins would be cocked against their own individual springs, and a plate would slide up between the firing pin and its port in the front of the breechblock. Ian Mccollum, Popular Mechanics, "Forgotten Weapons: The Mitrailleuse," 9 Dec. 2015 With Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Seating System, every seat except the driver’s folds down – the front passenger seat folds rearward – to allow transportation of long items such as an eight-foot ladder. Emma Jayne Williams, star-telegram, "Nissan Rogue proves to be a popular compact crossover for US consumers | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 5 May 2018 While the nose of the E-class slopes slightly rearward, the CLS reverses that cue with a mild forward cant. Davey G. Johnson, Car and Driver, "2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-class," 10 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rearward.' 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 rearward

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1625, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rearward

Noun

Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French rereguard, rerewarde rear guard

Adjective

rear entry 2 + -ward

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More Definitions for rearward

rearward

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of rearward

 (Entry 1 of 2)

somewhat formal