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forward 1 of 3

Definition of forwardnext
1
as in forwards
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time if you keep walking forward, you'll hit that wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in onward
toward a point ahead in space or time from this day forward, our two nations will live in peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in front
being at or in the forward part or surface of something the ship's forward deck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

forward

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of forward are advance, further, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

Where would advance be a reasonable alternative to forward?

The words advance and forward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is further a more appropriate choice than forward?

While the synonyms further and forward are close in meaning, further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

When could promote be used to replace forward?

While in some cases nearly identical to forward, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

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 forward
Adverb
Jewish teaching reminds us to respect those who have lived long lives, learned from history and carried values forward. Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026 The 6-foot-6 forward put up 19 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, hitting a pair of 3-pointers to help lead Rose in its 80-60 victory. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Pierce was eventually the hire in the offseason, assuming the role full-time in hopes the Raiders continued to rally around his forward style of coaching that was highlighted by aggressive play. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026 And, more pointedly, almost no one is taking issue with valuations sitting near historic highs, the S & P forward price/earnings ratio above 22. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
Daylight saving time is the practice of moving clocks forwards in the spring and back in the fall. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Nov. 2025 In November 2023, PCC forwarded both of the man’s emails to the Army CID, providing his contact information and noting that Cheryl Williams, Tina’s mother, had died and that Shannon Williams was now serving as the family’s point of contact. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward
Adverb
  • That’s despite having four players, three of them forwards, win the Hart Trophy over that time.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Rangers played with 11 forwards and seven defensemen due to the three forwards being out of the lineup.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • The final postseason for the conference as currently constructed was a downer from the first half of Boise State’s blowout defeat to Washington (in the LA Bowl) onward.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Surgeons generally accept patients from age 18 onward, once facial growth is complete, with no strict upper age limit provided overall health is suitable.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The knit top offered the familiar ease of an oversized tee with the warmth and polish of a sweater, a mix that feels both cozy and refined.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Experts say some familiar nutrition advice remains, but the changes may raise questions and confusion.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The agent is now standing at the front corner of the vehicle on the driver’s side.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The agent fired three shots, one at the front windshield and two more through the open driver's side window as Good moves past.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Be especially cautious in school zones and watch for children and the flashing lights of school buses.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Two years as a mental health patient had taught Virginia to be cautious.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The teeth also captured climate shifts such as the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the Medieval Climate Anomaly, which might have encouraged some increase in migration into England.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Comfort and familiarity are also gaining importance, with guests bringing routines along and seeking experiences that feel both relaxing and enriching.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Missing pieces Cut marks on the bones show that people actively helped the cremation process along by removing some of the woman’s flesh, said Thompson, who is also an assistant curator of anthropology at the Yale Peabody Museum.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • And this is a place for electronic equipment, mobile phones, computers—this is something about trading and being able to import and so forth.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
  • But this game was back and forth for quite some time, including the ensuing Hurricanes drive as quarterback Carson Beck led the way on a 15-play touchdown series with a CharMar Brown rushing score from four yards out.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forward. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on forward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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