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
Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
Building permits, seen as a forward indicator of future construction, came in below economists’ expectations.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 21 June 2024
Alena Botros, Fortune, 27 June 2024
With the shutdown threat off the table, assuming the contract is ratified, the studios can move forward with a clearer idea of the costs of the new contract.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 27 June 2024
Georgea Kovanis, Detroit Free Press, 20 June 2024
Detectives forwarded the case to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office and obtained a $50,000 warrant for the man’s arrest, according to Smith.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 19 June 2024
Tom Krasovic, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024
While Sunday afternoon’s second half was all Current, the Reign held the lead twice in the opening half thanks to a pair of goals by forward Jordyn Huitema.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for forward 
Adjective
But Weah plays as a right wing back for Italian power Juventus, so a 3-4-1-2 or 5-3-2 formation that drops the 24-year-old from the forward line to a wing back role can’t be ruled out if Scally isn’t providing enough offensive punch.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
Building permits, seen as a forward indicator of future construction, came in below economists’ expectations.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 21 June 2024
Adverb
But so far opposition from Republicans and the railroads has kept the bill from moving forward.
—Alena Botros, Fortune, 27 June 2024
With the shutdown threat off the table, assuming the contract is ratified, the studios can move forward with a clearer idea of the costs of the new contract.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 27 June 2024
Verb
Prescriptions will be automatically forwarded to Walgreens stores unless customers make other arrangements.
—Georgea Kovanis, Detroit Free Press, 20 June 2024
Detectives forwarded the case to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office and obtained a $50,000 warrant for the man’s arrest, according to Smith.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 19 June 2024
Noun
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
While Sunday afternoon’s second half was all Current, the Reign held the lead twice in the opening half thanks to a pair of goals by forward Jordyn Huitema.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 10 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 7 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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