backward

8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for backward, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj/adv — Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

dated

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

obsolete primitive

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

rearward reversedly in reverse back to front feebleminded

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj/adv

Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected.

“He took a backward glance before leaving the room.”

rearward reversedly in reverse dated obsolete primitive back to front

Opposites

forward forwards

2. adj

Less developed or advanced than expected, especially describing a place, culture, or way of thinking.

“Critics called the policy backward and out of step with modern attitudes.”

feebleminded

Opposites

forward

How to use backward

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

backward step backward glance backward country move backward

Etymology

From Middle English bakwarde, formed from back plus the directional suffix -ward, meaning "in the direction of the back."

Full origin of backward →

Frequently asked questions

What does “backward” mean?

The word “backward” means directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected. In plain terms, facing or moving toward the rear or the past — or, describing attitudes and places, outdated and undeveloped.

How do you pronounce “backward”?

“Backward” is pronounced BAK-wuhd (/ˈbækwɚd/ in IPA).

How do you use “backward” in a sentence?

Here is “backward” used in a sentence: “He took a backward glance before leaving the room.”

What is another word for “backward”?

Words with a similar meaning to “backward” include reversedly, in reverse, dated, obsolete, primitive and back to front.

What is the opposite of “backward”?

The opposite of “backward” — its antonyms — are forward and forwards.

What part of speech is “backward”?

Depending on how it is used, “backward” can be an adj/adv and an adjective.

Where does the word “backward” come from?

The word “backward” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bakwarde, formed from back plus the directional suffix -ward, meaning "in the direction of the back.".

Is “backward” a common word?

“Backward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between backward and backwards?

Backward and backwards mean the same thing when used as adverbs describing movement toward the rear; American English tends to prefer "backward," while British English commonly uses "backwards," though both forms appear in each variety. As an adjective, only "backward" is standard.

Is it offensive to call a place or culture backward?

Calling a place or way of thinking "backward" implies it is less developed or advanced than expected, and this usage can come across as judgmental or disrespectful, so it is often better to use more neutral, specific terms when discussing development or customs.

How is backward used to describe a person's behavior?

When describing a person, backward can mean reluctant or slow to act, learn, or come forward, such as someone being "backward about asking for help."

People also searched

forward dated primitive forwards obsolete rearward

Nearby words

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