Synonyms for backward
modified
To the rear
rearward, astern, behind, aback, retro-, retrograde, regressive, reflex, retrogressive.
Antonyms forward*, progressive, onward.
Dull
stupid, slow-witted, dense; see dull 3.
Retiring
bashful, reserved, shy; see humble 1.
Reversed
turned around, counterclockwise, inverted; see reversed.
Behind in development
underdeveloped, slow, slow to develop, retarded, delayed, arrested, checked, behindhand, late, undeveloped, underprivileged, unenlightened.
bend over backward*<strong>
See backward in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
adjective
Directed or facing toward the back or rear:
retrograde, retrogressive. See precedeNot forward but reticent or reserved in manner:
bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, shy1, timid. See restraintExhibiting lack of education or knowledge:
benighted, ignorant, primitive, unenlightened. See knowledgeHaving only a limited ability to learn and understand:
dull, simple, simple-minded, slow, slow-witted. (Informal) soft. (Offensive) feeble-minded, half-witted, retarded, weak-minded. See abilityNot progressing and developing as fast as others, as in economic and social aspects:
lagging, underdeveloped, undeveloped. See precedeEconomically and socially below standard:
depressed, deprived, disadvantaged, impoverished, underprivileged. See richClinging to obsolete ideas:
conservative, reactionary, unprogressive. See politics
adverb
Toward the back:
about, around, back, backwards, rearward. See precedeIn or toward a former location or condition:
about, around, back, backwards, rearward, round. See approach
Learn more about backward
