onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
ˈȯn-wərdz How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
Synonyms of onwardnext
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Synonyms of onward

Relevance

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adverb
From their second year onward, the prizes shifted their focus to unusual but authentic research, both in response to criticism and to establish greater credibility. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 The rocket's core booster then continued onward to deliver Falcon Heavy's second stage equipped with Roman into space. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Deportees are typically offered food and some money for their onward travel, as well as a place to stay for a few nights and assistance in locating family members. — Etant Dupain, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 From infancy onward interactions between intestinal microbes and immune cells help the body distinguish harmless microorganisms from disease-causing pathogens and regulate inflammatory responses. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onward was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing onward

Browse Nearby Words

on waivers
onward
onward and upward
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onward. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb
on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants also onwards
-wərdz How to pronounce onward (audio)
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward
kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed or moving onward
the onward march of time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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