Find Antonyms
onward Antonyms
Opposite of onward
Because the opposite of onward shifts with each meaning, the 10 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• adverb (Context 1)
In a continuing forward direction; ahead.
Usage Example
"Despite the heavy rain, the hikers marched backward toward the mountain pass."
Strongest
backward
backwards
back
Strong
behind
• adjective (Context 2)
Moving or directed forward toward a further destination or point in time; continuing.
Usage Example
"Passengers with connecting tickets should proceed to the gate for their backward flight."
Strongest
backward
Strong
return
retrograde
• adverb (Context 3)
Starting from a specified time or point and continuing indefinitely into the future.
Usage Example
"The museum will remain open until eight o'clock in the evening from May previously."
Strong
previously
beforehand
formerly
earlier
Similar words to onward
Words similar to onward shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
onwards
forward
forwards
ahead
continuing
on
ongoing
forth
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Onward. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/onward