easy
The balloon floated upward.
What does Upward mean?
Upward means toward a higher place or amount.
Dictionary definition
Upward means moving or pointing toward a higher place, level, or amount.
Example sentences
Upward in a sentence
medium
The graph showed an upward trend in reading minutes.
hard
When warm air moves upward, it can carry moisture higher into the atmosphere.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice upward in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Upward
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does upward mean?
Upward describes movement or direction toward something higher.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to upward?
Higher is close in meaning because upward points toward a higher place or amount.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for upward?
Downward is the direct contrast because it means toward a lower place or amount.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Upward
Voice settings
Sounds like
up · werd · strongest beat: up
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUpward.
Partadjective, adverb.
MeaningUpward means toward a higher place or amount.
ExampleExample: The balloon floated upward.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- up · werd
- Strongest beat
- up
- Ending
- werd
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on up.
Your turn
Say Upward
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Nice work—you practiced upward.
Synonyms
Words like Upward
higherUse when something moves or points to a greater height.
upA simple word for upward direction.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice upward synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The kite moved upward in the breeze," then compare close word choices. Practice upward synonyms.
Word family
Upward word family
Base word
up
adverb
upward
Toward a higher place, level, or amount.
adverb
upwards
Another form of upward.
adverb
downward
Toward a lower place, level, or amount.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Upward
Hint for students
Upward means moving, pointing, or changing toward a higher place, level, or amount. It can describe motion or data.
Common mix-up
Do not use upward only for physical movement. A number, score, trend, or mood can also move upward.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows upward without using the word upward. Then underline the clue words that show movement or change toward a higher place, level, or amount. Example: The line on the chart rose from ten books to twenty books. Clue words: line, chart, rose, ten books to twenty books Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something going higher or increasing?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The graph showed an upward trend in reading minutes." Why does upward fit better than downward?
Learning activities
Practice Upward and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice UPWARD” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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