variants
or upwards
1
a
: in a direction from lower to higher
the kite rose upward
b(1)
: toward the source (as of a river)
(2)
: toward the interior (as of a region)
c
: in a higher position
held out his hand, palm upward
d
: in the upper parts : toward the head : above
from the waist upward
2
: toward a higher or better condition or level
young lawyers moving upward
3
a
: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank
from $5 upward
b
: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate
attendance figures have risen upward
4
: toward or into later years
from youth upward
1
: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending
2
: rising to a higher pitch
upwardly
adverb
upwardness
noun
Examples of upward in a Sentence
Adverb
The road gradually rose upward.
She directed my gaze upward.
They are moving upward socially and economically.
moving upward in the corporate world
Adjective
an upward revision of the vote tally
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Mercer, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024
In the late Nineties, a pound of Sour Diesel could fetch upward of $15,000.
—Jay Bulger, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024
Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 15 Aug. 2024
With a five-year growth trajectory that has been nothing short of exponential, the company is poised to continue its upward trend.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upward 
Adverb
Separates range between $990 to upward of $6,990, and seasonal handcrafted jewelry, veils and accessories sit between $1,000 and $2,500 (with specialty veils and headpieces going up to $6,000).
—Emily Mercer, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024
In the late Nineties, a pound of Sour Diesel could fetch upward of $15,000.
—Jay Bulger, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024
Adjective
Understanding the upward trend Blood cancer rates have been steadily increasing globally since 1990.
—Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 15 Aug. 2024
With a five-year growth trajectory that has been nothing short of exponential, the company is poised to continue its upward trend.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upward
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upward.' 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 upward
Cite this Entry
“Upward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upward
2 of 2 adjective
: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending
upwardly
adverb
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