forward

1 of 4

adjective

for·​ward ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce forward (audio)
 also  ˈfō-,
 or  ˈfȯ-,
 Southern also  ˈfär-
Synonyms of forwardnext
1
a
: near, being at, or belonging to the forepart
the forward section of the main deck
b
: situated in advance
Baggage is carried in the forward cars of the train.
2
a
: strongly inclined : ready
always forward to criticize his neighbors
b
: lacking modesty or reserve : brash
Poorly disciplined children are often distressingly forward.
3
: notably advanced or developed : precocious
The child is very forward at walking.
4
: moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front
checked the forward movement of the dog
also : moving toward an opponent's goal
5
a
: advocating an advanced policy in the direction of what is considered progress
a firm forward policy
b
: extreme, radical
on the forward fringe of conservatism
6
: of, relating to, or getting ready for the future
forward buying of produce
forwardly adverb
forwardness noun

forward

2 of 4

adverb

: to or toward what is ahead or in front
from that time forward
moved slowly forward

forward

3 of 4

verb

forwarded; forwarding; forwards

transitive verb

1
: to help onward : promote
forwarded his friend's career
2
a
: to send forward : transmit
will forward the goods on receipt of your check
b
: to send or ship onward from an intermediate post or station in transit
forward mail

forward

4 of 4

noun

: a player who plays at the front the team's formation near the opponent's goal
a forward in hockey

Synonyms

Adjective

Adverb

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for forward

advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead.

advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

Examples of forward in a Sentence

Adjective the forward deck of a boat the forward movement of history a very forward young woman
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The device is a fold-away door on the cabin side of the forward galley. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 Firefighters stopped its forward progress at 11 acres. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Several videos on TikTok and other platforms posted the week of Aug. 18 say the program that helps low-income families with rent is changing and could include a two-year cap moving forward. — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 In 2017, under a GOP majority, the policy was changed so that circuit court nominees no longer require two positive blue slips to move forward. — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
Ramirez has been moved to restrictive housing and the case will be forwarded to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges, CDCR reported in a news release. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2025 The Swedish striker has been Newcastle’s top scorer in each of the last three seasons and is considered one of the best centre forwards in English and European soccer. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
That goal at Chelsea came during the now 21-year-old forward’s golden spell at the south-coast club. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Known for creating modern, design-forward furniture at an accessible price point, Castlery delivers again here. — Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, Verb, and Noun

Middle English, from Old English foreweard, from fore- + -weard -ward

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forward was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing forward

Rhymes for forward

See All Rhymes for forward

Browse Nearby Words

forwander
forward
forward air controller
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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Kids Definition

forward

1 of 4 adjective
for·​ward ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce forward (audio)
1
: near, being at, or belonging to the front part
2
: lacking proper modesty or reserve
3
: moving, tending, or leading to a position in front
forwardly adverb
forwardness noun

forward

2 of 4 adverb
: to or toward what is in front

forward

3 of 4 verb
1
: to help onward
forward a friend's career
2
: to send on or forward
forward a letter

forward

4 of 4 noun
: a player who plays at the front of the team near the opponent's goal

Legal Definition

forward

noun
for·​ward
: forward contract at contract

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