ON Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

on 1 of 3

preposition

ˈȯn

Definition of on

as in toward

having to do with books on sports heroes are my favorite reading matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in against

in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

2 of 3

adverb

as in forward

toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backward

as in along

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3 of 3

adjective

as in operating

being in effective operation please don't leave the sanding machine on if you're not going to be near it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of on

Preposition

The drug, marketed as Bixlenvo, is aimed at patients whose virus is already under control but who remain on complicated treatment regimens. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026 As the clock edges toward midnight on October 27, book stores and e-tailers across the globe will be blushing with anticipation. — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 The government said the designation stemmed from Anthropic’s refusal to accept contractual terms, not its views on AI safety. — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for on

Preposition

Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A price change may point you toward a better version of the plan.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
There was always going to be somebody next door, building toward their own paradise.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of toward

Preposition

The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
The informant cut a deal with prosecutors to record Vaughn and testify against him in exchange for drug charges against him being dropped.

— Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of against

Adverb

Researchers have developed a new vision algorithm that lets humanoid robots perceive depth more like humans, using two forward-facing eyes.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
While keeping your knees slightly bent, hinge forward from your hips and lower the band.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of forward

Adjective

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Definition of operating

Preposition

Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.

— Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Definition of regarding

Preposition

An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.

— DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.

— Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026

Definition of upon

Adverb

Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the Mid-America Regional Council, said automotive goods are one of Kansas City’s largest exports, and many of those products go back and forth across the border with Canada.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
The footage shows an officer and a young man going back and forth before police appear to push people back as officers work to clear the area.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of forth

Phrases Containing on

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Style

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of on

preposition

adverb

adjective

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