toward

American  

[tawrd, tohrd, tuh-wawrd, twawrd, twohrd, tawrd, tohrd] / tɔrd, toʊrd, təˈwɔrd, twɔrd, twoʊrd, tɔrd, toʊrd /

preposition

1. in the direction of.

   to walk toward the river.

2. with a view to obtaining or having; for.

   They're saving money toward a new house.

3. in the area or vicinity of; near.

   Our cabin is toward the top of the hill.

4. turned to; facing.

   Her back was toward me.

5. shortly before; close to.

   toward midnight.

6. as a help or contribution to.

   to give money toward a person's expenses.

7. with respect to; as regards.

   his attitude toward women.

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adjective

1. about to come soon; imminent.

2. going on; in progress; afoot.

   There is work toward.

3. propitious; favorable.

4. Obsolete.

   1. promising or apt, as a student.

   2. compliant; docile.

toward British  

adjective

1. rare in progress; afoot

2. obsolete about to happen; imminent

3. obsolete promising or favourable

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preposition

1. a variant of towards

toward Idioms  

1. see go a long way toward.

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Other Word Forms

• towardness noun

Etymology

Origin of toward

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English tōweard; equivalent to to + -ward

Example Sentences

The bank said in a note this past week that China’s economic evolution has helped insulate it from the traditional dangers of a stronger currency as the country shifts toward high-tech, high-value exports that are harder to substitute globally.

From The Wall Street Journal

Market theories for the selloff ranged from investors’ pivot toward the prediction markets and other risky bets, to widespread profit-taking after a blistering bull run.

From The Wall Street Journal

To be considered well anchored, the inflation expectations of individual survey respondents must reflect a belief that inflation will trend toward target.

From Barron's

From here, the stock could move toward $332 by mid-2026, representing an 11% gain from current levels.

From Barron's

One could consider entering here with a potential move toward $36 by mid-2026, roughly a 22% gain from current levels, while remaining bullish above $27.50.

From Barron's