ON Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

on 1 of 3

preposition

ˈȯn

Definition of on

as in toward

having to do with books on sports heroes are my favorite reading matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in against

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2 of 3

adverb

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

backward

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

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

Moving over to tech, AI giant Anthropic, which is preparing for what could be the largest IPO in history, will release its third-quarter financials for the first time in a meeting with potential investors on Wednesday. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 The crossing left at least 140 migrants dead and shook the city perched on the Mediterranean coast. — Joseph Wilson, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own. — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 The foundation has had a busy 12 months on the festival circuit. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for on

Preposition

Its components must balance dexterity, durability, cost, and ease of maintenance, particularly as the robot moves toward wider industrial use.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Zoledronate might also offer a way to increase the number and activity of these immune cells, while tarlatamab could help direct their attack towards tumors.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of toward

Preposition

The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of against

Adverb

But two-way contract forward Keshad Johnson was available against the Nets after missing the Heat’s first three preseason games because of a right hamstring strain.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Anvary was tightlipped about whether the brand will continue to invest in microseries or more entertainment moving forward, saying executives want to see how the audience engages with this first attempt first.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adjective

The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
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

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

In the victim’s surveillance footage, Wang was seen entering the room, walking back and forth, before sitting on a desk using her cellphone, police said in the affidavit.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
That came forth from the ’90s and that a lot of the choices were almost in character.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of forth

Phrases Containing on

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Style

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

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Synonyms of on

preposition

adverb

adjective

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