How to pronounce onwards
Say it like AHN-werdz. Onwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce onwards. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHN
- werdz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Onwards pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- werdzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of onwards
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ON-wudz.
What does onwards mean?
- in a forward direction“go ahead”“the train moved ahead slowly”
Where does onwards come from?
From on + -wards.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying onwards
How do you pronounce onwards?
Say AHN-werdz. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑnwɚdz/. In British English it is /ˈɒnwədz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in onwards?
Onwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHN). Broken into parts: AHN · werdz.
Is onwards 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 /ˈɒnwədz/ (ON-wudz).