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

Consumer neuroscience has increasingly played a role in consumer behavior analysis from the 2000s onward. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

While the numbers behind the charts account for 20 years of data, they for the most part reflect the most popular music from the late 2010s onward, appropriate given that’s when streaming became music’s dominant listening form. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Though using public transportation jibes with the country’s Swisstainable initiative, which encourages visitors to get around without a car, Gambarogno is a bit harder to navigate as trains only run to Cadenazzo station, necessitating onward travel by bus. —Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026

Throughout the 1980s and onward Scott-Heron struggled with drug and alcohol use, which often disrupted his artistic endeavors and personal life. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 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