Find Synonyms
astern Synonyms
Another word for astern
Choosing another word for astern depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adverb (Context 1)
Behind or toward the rear of a ship or aircraft.
Usage Example
"The coast guard cutter left a long white wake stretching far aft."
Strong
aft
abaft
behind
rearward
• adverb (Context 2)
Backward; in reverse motion (of a ship or boat).
Usage Example
"The pilot ordered the engines full backward to avoid colliding with the pier."
Strong
backward
backwards
aback
• adjective (Context 3)
Situated at or toward the stern or rear of a ship or aircraft, or directly behind it.
Usage Example
"The captain checked the radar to monitor the vessels that were still aft."
Strong
aft
abaft
rearward
• preposition (Context 4)
Behind the stern of (a ship) or in the rear of.
Usage Example
"Normally uses 'abaft of', though occasionally in nautical contexts a boat is said to pass directly abaft the flagship."
Strongest
abaft
Strong
behind
Opposites of astern
The opposite of astern shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
ahead
forward
fore
before
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Astern. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/astern