backward
Toward the rear
In its most frequent use as an adverb, backward refers to movement in the direction opposite to forward and it is found most frequently in the company of action verbs (step backward, bend backward, slide backward, stumble backward).
This meaning extends to adjectival use (backward glance, backward motion).
Figurative use of backward is pejorative, suggesting lack of sophistication, development, or intelligence.
In expressions of time, backward refers to the past.
Turn to opposite
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- rewindReturn to beginning
- backtrackReverse one's position
- retraceFollow a previous path
recede · withdraw · return · revert · fallback · rearward · behind · aft
Decrease or refuse
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- regressRevert to earlier state
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
- worsenBecome more severe
decay · backslide · relapse · retrogress · slip · slide · ebb · wane
Lacking in speed
- behindAt the rear
- delayedMade to wait longer
- undevelopedNot fully formed
- laggingFailing to keep pace
struggling · remedial · stunted · immature · disadvantaged · challenged · limited · trailing
Following long-held customs
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- unprogressiveAgainst reform or advancement
- reactionaryAnti-progress political stance
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
conventional · provincial · antiquated · outdated · outmoded · hidebound · stuck · resistant
Time not long past
- bygoneOf earlier times
- halcyonPeacefully prosperous era
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- memoriesStored past experiences
retrospect · vintage · heritage · antique · classic · old-fashioned · throwback · retro
reverse
Turn to opposite
retrace · recede · withdraw · return · revert · fallback · rearward · behind · aft · astern
decline
Decrease or refuse
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- regressRevert to earlier state
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
worsen · decay · backslide · relapse · retrogress · slip · slide · ebb · wane · devolve
slow
Lacking in speed
- behindAt the rear
- delayedMade to wait longer
- undevelopedNot fully formed
lagging · struggling · remedial · stunted · immature · disadvantaged · challenged · limited · trailing
traditional
Following long-held customs
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- unprogressiveAgainst reform or advancement
- reactionaryAnti-progress political stance
orthodox · conventional · provincial · antiquated · outdated · outmoded · hidebound · stuck · resistant · Luddite
yesteryear
Time not long past
- bygoneOf earlier times
- halcyonPeacefully prosperous era
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
memories · retrospect · vintage · heritage · antique · classic · old-fashioned · throwback · retro · time-honored
hesitant
Slow to act
diffident · reticent · bashful · reserved · coy · timid · loath · averse · unenthusiastic · disinclined
awkward
Lacking grace or ease
- ineptLacking skill or competence
- ungainlyLacking ease of movement
- uncoordinatedLacking physical grace
bumbling · fumbling · maladroit · gauche · gawky · stiff · ungraceful · lumbering · clunky · oafish
backwardadvanced
Far along in development
progressive · developed · modern · sophisticated · civilized
backwardintelligent
Having mental acuity
smart · bright · precocious · quick · sharp
backwardoutgoing
Sociable and unreserved
forward · confident · bold · extroverted · extraverted
- bend over backwardsTry unusually hard to please
- going backwardsMoving in reverse direction
- bending over backwardsExtreme effort to please
- leaning over backwardsExtreme effort to accommodate
- bent over backwardsExerted maximal effort to please
- go backwardsMove in reverse direction
backwards, backward design, backwash, backwardness, backwashed, backwashes, backwashing