Definition of abaftnext
as in aft
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft the lookout in the crow's nest warned that there was an enemy frigate abaft and bearing down hard on their ship

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abaft

2 of 2

preposition

as in behind
at, to, or toward the rear of a school of porpoises swam abaft the fishing boat

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abaft
Adverb
  • Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits.
    — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024
  • Bars and Restaurants The best seat in the house was aft, on the Lido deck, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine with a flute of Champagne.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2023
Preposition
  • Rows of officials sat behind computer screens while giant displays tracked the storm and the state’s response.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But forecasters say the most dangerous conditions are likely behind us.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Abaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abaft. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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