backwards
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for backwards, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use backwards
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
walk backwards
count backwards
bend over backwards
Etymology
Formed from backward plus the adverbial ending -s, in the same pattern as "afterwards" or "towards."
Full origin of backwards →Frequently asked questions
What does “backwards” mean?
The word “backwards” means toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order. In plain terms, moving or facing the opposite way to normal, or in reverse order.
How do you pronounce “backwards”?
“Backwards” is pronounced BAK-wurdz (/ˈbækwɜɹdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “backwards” in a sentence?
Here is “backwards” used in a sentence: “He counted backwards from ten before the fireworks went off.”
What part of speech is “backwards”?
“Backwards” is an adverb.
Is “backwards” a common word?
“Backwards” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between backward and backwards?
As adverbs they are interchangeable: backwards is more common in British English and backward in American English, and both mean toward the back or in reverse. Before a noun, standard usage prefers backward, as in "a backward glance."
What are common phrases with backwards?
Backwards typically follows verbs of motion or order: fall backwards, lean backwards, count backwards, play a recording backwards. The idiom "bend over backwards" means to make an extreme effort to help or accommodate someone.
