backwards
Britishadverb
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towards the rear
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with the back foremost
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in the reverse of usual order or direction
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to or towards the past
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into a worse state
the patient was slipping backwards
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towards the point of origin
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informal to make a special effort, esp in order to please
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informal to understand completely
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Doncic nailed a step-back three from the top of the key, held his follow through and hopped backwards on one leg.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
He published it at age 59, when his own adventures in nervous-system regulation allowed him to bend his formerly stiff body backwards into a plow pose.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
One subplot heavily relies on children’s nursery rhymes and playing them backwards to find hidden messages embedded in their melodies.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
The language about the impending EGM has softened slightly with Collier-Keywood calling it today "a step backwards" if the motions were passed, including the vote of no-confidence in himself.
From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026
Pore ould Ragear, and him going backwards all the time.”
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
