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
With forward thinking and decisive leadership, Cambodia can secure the next 40-70 years of its energy supply while maintaining the forests and not sacrificing the environment. — Suwanna Gauntlett, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 With strong forward guidance for FY2025, FCX offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to copper’s rally. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The rest of the team are freshmen or transfers, including Wagner and reserve forward Zvonimir Ivisic, who played for Calipari at Kentucky, and Jonas Aidoo, who played three seasons at Tennessee. — Tim Casey, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is pressing pause on his press tour for his new book following his vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week. — Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
The company forwarded The Star’s request back to Dallas. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 The new bill has been forwarded to a parliamentary committee for deliberation on the percentages to be contributed. — Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
The stock trades at a roughly 24% discount compared to its average five-year forward enterprise-value-to-EBITDA multiple. — Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025 Five of their top-six forwards, for instance, are 24 or younger, including 20-year-old No. 1 center Adam Fantilli. — Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 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 30 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on forward

Nglish: Translation of forward for Spanish Speakers

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