Synonyms for

Backwards

Verb / ˈbækwɜ:dz / Another word for backwards — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

directed or facing towards the back or rear

Synonyms & similar words

rearwards forward rearward backward back retrograde retrospective reversed back rearward behind abaft astern backward contrary inverted opposite reverse wrong

Synonyms by register

Formal

in reverse retrograde reversely

Informal

the wrong way topsy-turvy all mixed up

Literary

averse contrary

Antonyms

forwards ahead onward progressively advancing

Common collocations

  • look backwards
  • go backwards
  • fall backwards
  • step backwards
  • move backwards
  • turn backwards
  • read backwards

Word family

adjective backward
adverb backwards

Usage note

Often used to describe movement or direction. Can also refer to a state of being behind in development or progress.

Example sentences

  1. He fell backwards onto the bed.
  2. She wore her shirt backwards by accident.
  3. The car drove backwards down the street.
  4. He read the book backwards, starting with the last page.
  5. She walked backwards to get a better view of the sunset.

Quotes

  • Sometimes walking away has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we finally realize our own.
  • When you're young, you're always a little bit of a monster, I think. You can be so horrible and so selfish, but you're completely unaware of it, because you're so in your own world.
  • The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don't want.

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