Collocations for "backward"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "backward" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
backward
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- took a backward step
- gave her a backward glance
- without (so much as) a backward glance
- is a little backward with his [opinions, ideas, thoughts]
- [is, would be] a backward move
- is a backward [society, way of thinking]
- is the most backward [society] (I have ever seen)
- is (not) backward compatible (with)
- put his [shirt, hat] on backward
- the [car, truck] was moving backward
- go backward through time
- [walked, tripped, fell] backward (into)
- the [blow, punch] sent him reeling backward
- count backward from [ten]
- leaned backward in her [chair, armchair, recliner]
- was looking backward (when)
- bent over backward to [help, please, accommodate, impress]
- took a backward step
- gave her a backward glance
- without (so much as) a backward glance
- is a little backward with his [opinions, ideas, thoughts]
- she's not backward in coming forward
- [is, would be] a backward move
- is a backward [society, way of thinking]
- is the most backward [society] (I have ever seen)
- backward-thinking people
- backward-looking [society, ideas]
- is (not) backward compatible (with)
- was a (major) step backward (for)
- one step backward [to take, and, before] two steps forward
- the [car, truck] was moving backward
- go backward through time
- [walked, tripped, fell] backward (into)
- the [blow, punch] sent him reeling backward
- count backward from [ten]
- leaned backward in her [chair, armchair, recliner]
- was looking backward (when)
'backward' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):