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Definitions

forward

[fawr-werd] / ˈfɔr wərd /
ADJECTIVE
advancing, early
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ahead leading onward
STRONG
forth progressing progressive
WEAK
forward-looking in advance precocious premature propulsive well-developed
Antonyms
WEAK
back backward last later meek past reserved reversing shy timid
ADJECTIVE
in front, first
Synonyms
STRONGEST
leading
STRONG
advance anterior facial fore front head
WEAK
foremost ventral
Antonyms
STRONG
ending
WEAK
back backward last later meek past reserved reversing shy timid
ADJECTIVE
brash, impertinent
Synonyms
STRONG
assuming bantam bold brazen familiar presuming pushing smart wise
WEAK
aggressive audacious bare-faced cheeky coming on strong confident fresh impudent nervy overassertive overweening pert presumptuous pushy rude sassy saucy self-assertive smart-alecky uppity
Antonyms
STRONG
ignorant meek shy stupid timid unintelligent
WEAK
back backward last later past reserved reversing
ADVERB
toward the front in order, time
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ahead along onward out
STRONG
ante fore forth
WEAK
alee antecedently before beforehand in advance into prominence into view on precedently previous to the fore vanward
Antonyms
WEAK
back backward past
VERB
aid, expedite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
promote uphold
STRONG
advance assist back champion cultivate encourage favor foster further hasten help hurry serve speed support
Antonyms
STRONG
block check decrease delay discourage dissuade halt hinder hurt ignore neglect obstruct oppose procrastinate refuse rest slow stop thwart
WEAK
cease hold impede keep maintain
VERB
send, ship
Synonyms
STRONGEST
address deliver dispatch express transmit
STRONG
consign freight post remit route transport
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hold keep retain
WEAK
cease halt hinder impede maintain stop

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.

"We believe that moving forward, even with these difficulties, is a significant achievement."

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Bradford failed to deal with McDonnell's audacious kick chase as the Rhinos forward raced in to dot down before the hosts could regain possession.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

These are not novels that pull you forward so much as hold you in place—patient, thorough evocations of a vanished world, almost Proustian at times, especially as they progress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And when she finally reunites with Y for the movie’s sleek “Contempt”-like endgame, both of them in thrall to private luxury, it’s hard to see how they’ll move forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

I looked forward to this hike to the Phillips factory.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.