backward

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: backyard, backword, awkward, backwash, backhand, backsword, backarc, backwall, aukward, packard, backwind

Antonyms: backyard, backword, awkward, backwash, backhand, backsword, backarc, backwall, aukward, packard, backwind

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Adjective

1. {{n-g|Indicating position or direction.}}
2. {{lb|en|figuratively}} {{n-g|Expressing lack of development or advancement.}}
3. {{lb|en|often in negative constructions}} [[reluctant|Reluctant]] or unwilling to [[advance]] or [[act]]; [[shy]].
4. {{lb|en|chess}} Of a [[pawn]], further behind than pawns of the same colour on [[adjacent]] [[file]]s and unable to be moved forward safely.
5. {{lb|en|cricket}} On that part of the [[field]] [[behind]] the [[batsman]]'s [[popping crease]].
6. {{lb|en|cricket}} [[further|Further]] behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.
7. {{lb|en|obsolete}} [[unwilling|Unwilling]]; [[averse]]; [[reluctant]].
8. {{lb|en|obsolete}} Already past or gone; [[bygone]].

Adverb

1. At, near or towards the rear of something.
2. In a direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing or normally pointing.
3. In a direction opposite to the usual direction of movement.
4. {{lb|en|figuratively}} Oppositely to the desired direction of progress, or from a better to a worse state.
5. In a reversed orientation; [[back to front]].
6. In a reversed order or sequence.
7. Toward or into the past.
8. {{lb|en|obsolete}} In the past.
9. By way of reflection; reflexively. {{rfex|en}}

Noun

1. The state behind or past.

Verb

1. {{lb|en|transitive|dated}} To [[keep back]], to [[delay]], to [[retard]].

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.