How to pronounce onward
Say it like AWN-werd. Onward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce onward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWN
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Onward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of onward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ON-wud.
What does onward mean?
- Moving forward.“There was an onward rush as the gates opened.”
- Advanced in a forward direction or toward an end.
- In a forward direction.
- To keep going; to progress or persevere.
- To pass (something) onward; to forward.
Where does onward come from?
From on + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying onward
How do you pronounce onward?
Say AWN-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔnwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈɒnwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in onward?
Onward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWN). Broken into parts: AWN · werd.
Is onward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɒnwəd/ (ON-wud).