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Definition of northward

northward

/ˈnɔːrθ.wərd/
north · ward
Adverb:northward
•
Adjective:northward
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northward Lexical Profile

northward Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Toward the north; in a northerly direction.

Example

"They sailed northward along the rugged coastline for three days."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Moving, facing, or situated toward the north.

Example

"The migrating geese began their annual northward journey in early spring."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A northward direction, point, or region.

Example

"Dark storm clouds were gathering rapidly to the northward."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As an adjective, 'northward' is always used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'a northward journey'); as an adverb, 'northward' and 'northwards' are interchangeable, with 'northwards' being more common in British English.

• Nearby Words

northernness
northland
northmost
northward
northwardly
northwest
northwester

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'norþweard', formed from 'norþ' (north) and the directional suffix '-weard' (toward).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Northward. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/northward
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