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
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 5 July 2024
Sacramento needs more size, length, defense and depth at the forward and center positions.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 29 June 2024
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
Before her death, Williams was looking forward to starting a new job, according to Graham.
—Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 9 July 2024
News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2024
Testing results were inconclusive at the state level, but specimens forwarded to the CDC for additional testing were positive for influenza A, the federal health agency said.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 July 2024
Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2024
The Americans will head to France next month with several promising forwards who as girls watched Morgan win her first of two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and raise her first of two World Cup trophies in 2015.
—Tom Krasovic, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for forward 
Adjective
Based on what Sharks general manager Mike Grier said after the first day of NHL free agency and his moves to make his forward group deeper and more versatile, there’s no guarantee.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 5 July 2024
Sacramento needs more size, length, defense and depth at the forward and center positions.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 29 June 2024
Adverb
Advertisement Supervisor Hilda Solis cast the decisive yes vote, joining the plan’s authors, Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn, in moving it forward.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
Before her death, Williams was looking forward to starting a new job, according to Graham.
—Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 9 July 2024
Verb
Monday recommended that a Broward County judge receive a public reprimand for actions during a 2022 re-election campaign, including forwarding potentially false or unverified information about her opponent to a political club.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2024
Testing results were inconclusive at the state level, but specimens forwarded to the CDC for additional testing were positive for influenza A, the federal health agency said.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 July 2024
Noun
Among all forwards in the NBA with at least 125 attempts of above the break 3s, Ingles’ 42.4% success rate was second best.
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2024
The Americans will head to France next month with several promising forwards who as girls watched Morgan win her first of two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and raise her first of two World Cup trophies in 2015.
—Tom Krasovic, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for forward
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forward.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near forward
Cite this Entry
“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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