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Definitions

backward

[bak-werd] / ˈbæk wərd /
ADJECTIVE
toward the rear
Synonyms
STRONG
back rearward
WEAK
abaft about astern behind in reverse inverted turned around
Antonyms
WEAK
ahead forward to the front
ADJECTIVE
bashful or hesitant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bashful hesitant shy
WEAK
afraid averse demure diffident disinclined hesitating humble indisposed loath modest reluctant reserved retiring timid uneager unwilling wavering
Antonyms
WEAK
aggressive forward unshy
ADJECTIVE
late; slow; behind in progress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
late slow tardy
STRONG
arrested behind checked delayed underdeveloped undeveloped
Antonyms
STRONGEST
developed
STRONG
advanced precocious
WEAK
ahead developing
ADVERB
toward the rear
Synonyms
STRONGEST
toward the rear
Antonyms
WEAK
forward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All of those things were happening, but we have taken a few steps backward.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“I think we are just going to move backward before we go forward,” Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and author of the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, told Salon.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Not only does she talk, but she recites venerable nursery rhymes, backward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Justin, the believer, is instantly alarmed by how these eerie tapes escalate from cute banter to ghostly crying babies and backward incantations.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

I yelped, jumping backward, my hand to my heart.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing backward

"LAFFF"

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"The Tempest," Vocabulary from Acts 1 and 2

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