onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd 

ˈän-

variants or less commonly onwards

ˈȯn-wərdz 

ˈän-

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Synonyms of onward

Adverb

• forward

Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb

They have lived in that house from 1983 onward.

we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The chain grew increasingly reliant on limited-time offers from the 2000s onward. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

The new remote is compatible with all Amazon Ember TVs and Fire TV streaming devices from 2019 onward. — Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 30 Sep. 2026

Adjective

From there, associates allegedly arranged onward shipments into China. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Traditionally, a cargo consignment from Chennai to Frankfurt would need to be unpacked at Delhi Airport, with each individual package undergoing the security re-screening before being loaded onto an onward flight to Frankfurt. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing onward

• onward and upward

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd 

ˈän-

variants also onwards

-wərdz 

: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective

: directed or moving onward

the onward march of time