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
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
6
: of, relating to, or getting ready for the future
forward buying of produce
forwardly
adverb
forwardness
noun
: to or toward what is ahead or in front
from that time forward
moved slowly forward
forwarded; forwarding; forwards
: a player who plays at the front the team's formation near the opponent's goal
a forward in hockey
Synonyms
Examples of forward in a Sentence
Adjective
the forward deck of a boat
the forward movement of history
a very forward young woman
Adverb
Her long hair fell forward as she bent to tie her shoes.
He pushed the throttle forward.
She took a small step forward.
The narrative moves backward and forward in time.
The technology has taken a big step forward.
Verb
Your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
Please forward my mail to my new address.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
If Li Auto investors value that stock a bit more generously, at about 2x forward revenues, led by its improving growth and potential improvement in margins, the stock could see a considerable upside.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Jason Green, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
For the Nuggets, reserve forward Vlatko Cancar was cleared to play after being inactive with a right ankle sprain in recent games.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 3 Nov. 2024
While the Justice Department did launch an investigation, a grand jury assembled in the case failed to forward charges, bucking expectations of a panel that frequently approve indictments.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
In comparison, Tesla trades at about 7x forward revenue, despite the fact the revenues are likely to remain almost flat this year.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forward 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
The filing also details the company's entry into a forward flow financing arrangement to sell a portion of its Instacash receivables, aiming to provide a stable stream of servicing fee income.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
If Li Auto investors value that stock a bit more generously, at about 2x forward revenues, led by its improving growth and potential improvement in margins, the stock could see a considerable upside.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adverb
If the company does not adhere to the agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can move forward with the case.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
For the Nuggets, reserve forward Vlatko Cancar was cleared to play after being inactive with a right ankle sprain in recent games.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
Probably smart to remember, those claims after the 2020 election — promoted by Trump, in an effort to reverse his loss to President Joe Biden — were false, so don't necessarily jump to conclusions forwarded by partisan actors without supporting evidence.
—Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 3 Nov. 2024
While the Justice Department did launch an investigation, a grand jury assembled in the case failed to forward charges, bucking expectations of a panel that frequently approve indictments.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
Playing mainly in a bottom-six role, Goodrow, one of the Sharks’ leading penalty-killing forwards, has two goals in 17 games this season.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
In comparison, Tesla trades at about 7x forward revenue, despite the fact the revenues are likely to remain almost flat this year.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forward
Dictionary Entries Near forward
Cite this Entry
“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forward
1 of 4 adjective
for·ward
ˈfȯr-wərd 
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 verb1
: 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
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