out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd 
out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
variants
or outwards
1
: toward the outside
2
obsolete
: on the outside : externally
: external form, appearance, or reality
Synonyms
Examples of outward in a Sentence
Adjective
They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.
She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.
To all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.
outward symptoms of the disease
The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.
He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.
Adverb
The window faces outward toward the street.
Stand with your heels together, toes pointing outward.
air flowing outwards from the lungs
Noun
never was there in a man such a fine, heroic outward and such a cowardly interior
Recent Examples on the Web
Liz Kislik, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Like Ye’s 2016 album The Life of Pablo, its form continues to solidify even after release; like SOS, its core theme is addressing an imbalance between the outward celebrity and shot-caller and the long-suffering lover and sometimes self-conscious overthinker behind the scenes.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
Heat is then directed upward and outward via outlet slits on the card edges to reduce the recirculation of heated air.
—John Burek, PCMAG, 20 Jan. 2025
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024
Here’s something that borders on miraculous but that scientists in California confirm: The heart emits a magnetic field expanding outward in all directions and returning to the chest in a donut shape.
—Heather Lanier, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for outward 
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Adjective
The Relationship Rules Simply providing typical leadership development is insufficient to shift from an inward to an outward perspective.
—Liz Kislik, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Like Ye’s 2016 album The Life of Pablo, its form continues to solidify even after release; like SOS, its core theme is addressing an imbalance between the outward celebrity and shot-caller and the long-suffering lover and sometimes self-conscious overthinker behind the scenes.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Similarly, when a drop of watercolor paint dries, the pigment particles of color break outward, toward the rim of the drop.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
Heat is then directed upward and outward via outlet slits on the card edges to reduce the recirculation of heated air.
—John Burek, PCMAG, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
The armrest pads slide back and forth and can pivot to make adjustments inwards or outwards, plus the armrest height is adjustable with a button located on the underside.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024
Here’s something that borders on miraculous but that scientists in California confirm: The heart emits a magnetic field expanding outward in all directions and returning to the chest in a donut shape.
—Heather Lanier, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for outward
Dictionary Entries Near outward
Cite this Entry
“Outward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outward. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outward
1 of 2 adjective
out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
1
: moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center
an outward flow
2
: showing on the outside
outward signs of fear
outward
2 of 2 adverb
variants
or outwards
: toward the outside
the city stretches outward for miles
fold it outward
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