on 1 of 3

preposition

ˈȯn How to pronounce on (audio)
Definition of onnext
1
as in toward
having to do with books on sports heroes are my favorite reading matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in forward
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in along
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

as in operating
being in effective operation please don't leave the sanding machine on if you're not going to be near it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 on
Preposition
Under the guise of paying homage to the bouquet of flowers his grandmother crocheted for his sister on her wedding day, Joseph added a matching purple bouquet which conveniently hides the super long crotch. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Alix Earle has finally broken her silence on her feud with Alex Cooper, which was reignited earlier this year. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2026 Machine aerators are rolled over the lawn like a mower, and handheld versions are stepped on like a shovel. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026 Detroit fire officials were going door-to-door in some neighborhoods on Thursday evening to check on residents, according to a press release from the mayor's office. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
  1. toward
  2. against
  3. forward
  4. along
  5. operating
  6. regarding
  7. upon
  8. forth
Preposition
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A price change may point you toward a better version of the plan.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There was always going to be somebody next door, building toward their own paradise.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of toward
Preposition
  • The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The informant cut a deal with prosecutors to record Vaughn and testify against him in exchange for drug charges against him being dropped.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of against
Adverb
  • By now the crowd was deafening and fans surged forward for a better view.
    — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Season 2 jumps forward nine years, to a presidential assassination, military coups and an unstable state that changes hands many times in the months that follow.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of forward
Adverb
  • At the same time, Tempo cruised along, still far off the pace.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • To maintain his grip on power, Trump needs to inspire Latinos to stand by him, vote for his agenda and urge others to follow along.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of along
Adjective
  • That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
  • True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Definition of operating
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of regarding
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adverb
  • Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the Mid-America Regional Council, said automotive goods are one of Kansas City’s largest exports, and many of those products go back and forth across the border with Canada.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The footage shows an officer and a young man going back and forth before police appear to push people back as officers work to clear the area.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of forth

Phrases Containing on

Browse Nearby Words

omphalos
on
on account of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All