out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd 
out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
variants
or outwards
1
: toward the outside
2
obsolete
: on the outside : externally
: external form, appearance, or reality
Synonyms
Examples of outward in a Sentence
Adjective
They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.
She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.
To all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.
outward symptoms of the disease
The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.
He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.
Adverb
The window faces outward toward the street.
Stand with your heels together, toes pointing outward.
air flowing outwards from the lungs
Noun
never was there in a man such a fine, heroic outward and such a cowardly interior
Recent Examples on the Web
Sally Rooney, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
For some companies, outward displays of support for LGBTQ rights and inclusivity during Pride are an extension of their support over the other 11 months of the year.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 June 2024
David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Jade facial roller Best For: Puffiness, fine lines, detoxing
How to Use: Apply face oil, then roll from the center of the face outward and upward/down the sides of the neck.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 July 2024
Heather Lanier, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023
As mayor of Shanghai in 1985-89, Jiang impressed foreign visitors as a representative of a new breed of outward-looking Chinese leaders.
—Joe McDonald, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for outward 
Adjective
But a person’s outward appearance does not define the boundaries of their internal feelings, Ivan knows.
—Sally Rooney, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
For some companies, outward displays of support for LGBTQ rights and inclusivity during Pride are an extension of their support over the other 11 months of the year.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 June 2024
Adverb
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.
—David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Jade facial roller Best For: Puffiness, fine lines, detoxing
How to Use: Apply face oil, then roll from the center of the face outward and upward/down the sides of the neck.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 July 2024
Noun
Here’s something that borders on miraculous but that scientists in California confirm: The heart emits a magnetic field expanding outward in all directions and returning to the chest in a donut shape.
—Heather Lanier, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023
As mayor of Shanghai in 1985-89, Jiang impressed foreign visitors as a representative of a new breed of outward-looking Chinese leaders.
—Joe McDonald, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for outward
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outward.' 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 outward
Cite this Entry
“Outward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outward. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outward
1 of 2 adjective
out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
1
: moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center
an outward flow
2
: showing on the outside
outward signs of fear
outward
2 of 2 adverb
variants
or outwards
: toward the outside
the city stretches outward for miles
fold it outward
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