Backward Definition & Meaning

backward
adverb
  1. at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward"; "she looked rearward out the window of the car"
  2. in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal; "it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'"; "the child put her jersey on backward"
  3. in or to or toward a past time; "set the clocks back an hour"; "never look back"; "lovers of the past looking fondly backward"
adjective
  1. directed or facing toward the back or rear; "a backward view"
  2. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature; "a backward lover"
  3. retarded in intellectual development
  4. having made less than normal progress; "an economically backward country"

Synonyms for backward

back adv

in or to or toward a former location; "she went back to her parents' house" at or to or toward the back or rear

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
backswept adj

used of hair

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backwards adv

at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward

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bashful adj

self-consciously timid; "I never laughed, being bashful

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blate adj

disposed to avoid notice; "they considered themselves a tough outfit and weren't bashful about letting anybody know it

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cacuminal adj

pronounced with the tip of the tongue turned back toward the hard palate

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converse adj

of words so related that one reverses the relation denoted by the other

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feebleminded adj

retarded in intellectual development

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inverse adj

reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect opposite in nature or effect or relation to another quantity

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negative adj

characterized by or displaying negation or denial or opposition or resistance; having no positive features

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"Backward" in song lyrics

See how backward is used in real songs:

  • "Smack with backhand 'til backlash taps your ears backward"
    Analog Brothers — Analog Anilalator vrs. Silver Surfer
  • "Avenues I used to call familiar turned backward"
    Blue Scholars — Selfportrait
  • "It's only that work on the chirp, And get it backward"
    Wu-Syndicate — Jsus

Words that rhyme with backward

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Usage tips for "backward"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "backward" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for backward to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with backward ↔ Synonyms for backward 🔬 Words containing backward

Frequently asked questions

What does backward mean?
at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward"; "she looked rearward out the window of the car" in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal; "it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'"; "the child put her jersey on backward" in or to or toward a past time; "set the clocks back an hour"; "never look back"; "lovers of the past looking fondly backward" directed or facing toward the back or rear
What part of speech is backward?
Backward is an adverb and an adjective.
How many definitions does backward have?
Backward has 7 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adverb, adjective).

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