upward
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for upward, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Moving from a lower position to a higher one.
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 upward
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English upweardes, from up + -weard ("-ward," meaning "in the direction of").
Full origin of upward →Frequently asked questions
What does “upward” mean?
The word “upward” means moving from a lower position to a higher one. In plain terms, going up, or aimed toward something higher — used for movement, trends, and figures alike.
How do you pronounce “upward”?
“Upward” is pronounced UHP-wuhd (/ˈʌpwɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “upward” in a sentence?
Here is “upward” used in a sentence: “The balloon drifted slowly upward.”
What is another word for “upward”?
Words with a similar meaning to “upward” include cloudwards, up and upwards.
What is the opposite of “upward”?
The opposite of “upward” — its antonyms — are down and downwards.
What part of speech is “upward”?
Depending on how it is used, “upward” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “upward” come from?
The word “upward” comes from Old English. From Old English upweardes, from up + -weard ("-ward," meaning "in the direction of").
Is “upward” a common word?
“Upward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "upward" and "upwards"?
"Upward" and "upwards" mean the same thing, both describing movement toward a higher position, but "upward" is more common in American English while "upwards" is more common in British English. "Upward" is also the standard adjective form, as in "an upward trend."
Can "upward" be used as both an adjective and an adverb?
Yes, "upward" functions as an adverb describing movement from a lower to a higher position, as in "the balloon floated upward," and as an adjective directed toward a higher place or level, as in "an upward glance."
What is a common collocation with "upward"?
"Upward trend," "upward spiral," and "upward mobility" are frequent collocations, all describing movement or change toward a higher level, whether literal or figurative.