upwards
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for upwards, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Toward a higher position; up.
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.
skyward
upwardly
Antonyms
How to use upwards
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
upwards of
drift upwards
creep upwards
Etymology
From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Full origin of upwards →Frequently asked questions
What does “upwards” mean?
The word “upwards” means toward a higher position; up. In plain terms, moving or pointing higher, or (with "of") at least a certain amount.
How do you pronounce “upwards”?
“Upwards” is pronounced UHP-wuhdz (/ˈʌpwɚdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “upwards” in a sentence?
Here is “upwards” used in a sentence: “The smoke drifted upwards through the trees.”
What is another word for “upwards”?
Words with a similar meaning to “upwards” include upward and up.
What is the opposite of “upwards”?
The opposite of “upwards” — its antonyms — are downward and down.
What part of speech is “upwards”?
“Upwards” is an adverb.
Where does the word “upwards” come from?
The word “upwards” comes from Old English. From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Is “upwards” a common word?
“Upwards” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "upwards" and "upward"?
"Upwards" and "upward" both describe movement toward a higher position, but "upwards" is more common in British English, while American English favors "upward." As an adjective, only "upward" is standard, as in "an upward glance."
Is "upwards" used for both physical direction and quantity?
Yes, "upwards" describes physical movement toward a higher position, such as "looking upwards," and also describes an increase in figure or degree, especially in the phrase "upwards of," as in "upwards of fifty guests."
