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adj Uncommon

onward

ON-wuhd

Onward (adj) means moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time. Example: “The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone.”

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adj
1
Moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time.
"The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone."
adv
1
In a forward direction, or continuing from a point in time.
"From next year onward, the policy will apply to everyone."

How to use onward

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoving forward, or continuing from a certain point onward in time.

UK vs US

Both "onward" and "onwards" are used in British English; American English favors "onward."

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Word forms

Singular
onwards
Past tense
onwarded
Comparative
more onward
Superlative
most onward
Test yourself on “onward” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The team's _____ march to the finals impressed everyone.

Etymology

From on + the suffix -ward, indicating direction.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “onward” mean?

The word “onward” means moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time. In plain terms, moving forward, or continuing from a certain point onward in time.

How do you pronounce “onward”?

“Onward” is pronounced ON-wuhd (/ˈɒnwəd/ in IPA).

How do you use “onward” in a sentence?

Here is “onward” used in a sentence: “The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone.”

What part of speech is “onward”?

Depending on how it is used, “onward” can be an adjective and an adverb.

Is “onward” a common word?

“Onward” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “onward” have?

“Onward” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial