forward pass

NOUN

football pass toward opponent's goal

Synonyms

WEAK

aerial bomb flare flare pass pass pass pattern screen screen pass

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Which is how it quickly instituted some of the most notable shifts in the way the game is played since the adoption of the forward pass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Each forward pass strengthens the wave, while each backward pass weakens it.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

Already, Tipping is as allergic to subtlety as a forward pass right down the middle on the 50-yard line — or whatever football play would be a really obvious one.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

No blocking or moving screens are allowed and the offensive team may not throw more than one forward pass per play.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2024

This should be known on all forward pass plays.

From The Forward Pass in Football by Berry, Elmer