backward
WordReference English Thesaurus © 2025
Sense: Adjective: at or to the rear
Synonyms:
backwards , rearward, retrograde, back Collocations, rear Collocations, reverse Collocations, to the rear, towards the rear, towards the back, to the back, sternward, sternwards , hind Collocations
Antonyms:
forward Collocations, forwards, ahead Collocations, to the front, along Collocations, onward Collocations, frontwards, towards the front
Sense: Adjective: behind in development
Synonyms:
backwards , underdeveloped, undeveloped, unsophisticated, primitive, unenlightened, behind Collocations, behind the times, old-fashioned Collocations, medieval, stunted, regressive, backward-thinking, Third World , slow to develop, slow Collocations, retarded
Antonyms:
Sense: Adjective: shy
Synonyms:
backwards , shy Collocations, bashful, reserved Collocations, timid, withdrawn Collocations, retiring, shy and retiring, diffident, subdued Collocations, self-effacing, introverted, quiet Collocations, hesitant
Antonyms:
Sense: Adverb: towards the rear
Synonyms:
rearward, rearwards , back Collocations, backwards , to the back, to the rear, towards the rear, towards the back, sternward, sternwards , in reverse, back in time, over your shoulder, behind Collocations, behind you, in back of , abaft, towards the stern