easy
The crab walked backward.
What does Backward mean?
Backward means toward the back or opposite direction.
Dictionary definition
Moving or facing toward the back, or in the opposite direction from usual.
Example sentences
Backward in a sentence
medium
She read the letters backward by mistake.
hard
The instructions worked backward from the final answer to show each step.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice backward in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Backward
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does backward mean?
Backward means toward the back or opposite direction.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to backward?
Rearward is closest because it connects to this meaning: Backward means toward the back or opposite direction.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to backward?
Forward is a useful contrast because backward means: Backward means toward the back or opposite direction.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Backward
Voice settings
Sounds like
bak · werd · strongest beat: bak
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBackward.
Partadjective.
MeaningBackward means toward the back or opposite direction.
ExampleExample: The crab walked backward.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bak · werd
- Strongest beat
- bak
- Ending
- werd
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on bak.
Your turn
Say Backward
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Nice work—you practiced backward.
Synonyms
Words like Backward
rearwardToward the back.
reverseIn the opposite direction or order.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice backward synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The robot moved backward across the table," then compare close word choices. Practice backward synonyms.
Word family
Backward word family
Base word
backward
adverb
backwards
In a backward direction.
noun
backwardness
The state of being backward or behind.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Backward
Hint for students
Think about moving toward the back or going in the reverse direction.
Common mix-up
Do not use backward when something moves ahead; backward means toward the back or reverse order.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: She read the letters backward by mistake. Clue words: read, letters, mistake. Underline clue words that show direction, order, or position. Now write one new sentence that shows backward without using the word backward. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show backward?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "She read the letters backward by mistake." Why does backward fit better than forward?
Learning activities
Practice Backward and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BACKWARD” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BACKWARD
Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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