FORWARD Synonyms: 314 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'forward' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of forward are advance , further , and promote . While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead. // a wage increase would forward productivity

Q: Where would 'advance' be a reasonable alternative to 'forward'?

The words advance and forward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end. // advance the cause of peace

Q: When is 'further' a more appropriate choice than 'forward'?

While the synonyms further and forward are close in meaning, further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance. // used the marriage to further his career

Q: When could 'promote' be used to replace 'forward'?

While in some cases nearly identical to forward , promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank. // a campaign to promote better health

forward 1 of 3

adverb

Definition of forward

as in forwards

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time if you keep walking forward, you'll hit that wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in onward

toward a point ahead in space or time from this day forward, our two nations will live in peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backward

forward

2 of 3

adjective

ˈfȯr-wərd

as in familiar

showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty a stranger so forward as to ask what medication he was taking and what it was for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in front

being at or in the forward part or surface of something the ship's forward deck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in higher

being far along in development the local citizenry's attitude toward racial equality was very forward for its time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cautious

having or showing awareness of and preparation for the future she was forward enough to start investing in her retirement fund at the age of 18

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

3 of 3

verb

as in to encourage

to help the growth or development of their foundation will help forward better relations between young people from those warring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of forward are advance, further, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

Where would advance be a reasonable alternative to forward?

The words advance and forward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is further a more appropriate choice than forward?

While the synonyms further and forward are close in meaning, further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

When could promote be used to replace forward?

While in some cases nearly identical to forward, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of forward

Adverb

Gunn and forward Mark Mitchell are both key Tigers who are waiting to sort out their eligibility in the courts. — Pj Green october 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier missed the game because of a lower-body injury and is day-to-day. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The type of forward progress that helps this team heal in time. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Over that much time, the report finds, a building shapes the wellbeing, feelings, and forward momentum of the people living in it. — Jeffrey Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Rogers forwarded the document to his personal Gmail account and from there sent it to Lee. — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 Police say that when the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forward

Adverb

Like Kaprizov and a slew of star forwards last season, Hughes and Makar could each be waiting for the other to sign first.

— Michael Russo, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Of course, just because a timeframe hasn't been announced to the public, that doesn't mean there is no internal timeframe that can be brought forwards and backwards as necessary.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of forwards

Adjective

With some formal firefighter training and background checks, volunteers commit to following fire officials’ orders, helping residents evacuate and putting out spot fires, while leaving the ferocious front-line flames to the professionals.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
But as the wide open Marsh sprinted toward the front corner of the end zone for the catch, his left foot came down on the white paint.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of front

Adjective

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
This week, Ukraine also did not receive advanced warning from partners of incoming ballistic missiles, resulting in civilian deaths, according to Ukrainian officials.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of advanced

Browse Nearby Words

forums

forward

forwarded

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of forward

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Synonyms of forward

adverb

adjective

verb

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Phrases Containing forward

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