backwards

comparative more backwards · superlative most backwards

1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

   As I stand to address them they take a fearful step backwards with their hands outstretched in placating gestures.

   2015, Alain Robert, With Bare Hands, Maverick Publishing Limited

   Synonyms: backward

comparative more backwards · superlative most backwards

1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

   My train back is a Class 800 bi-mode. These are not too bad, except for their awful seats - compared with the seats on the HST, they are a step backwards.

   2025 November 12, 'Mystery Shopper', “Is Devon the cream of the crop?”, in RAIL, number 1048, page 47

   1 more example

   The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!

   1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150

   Synonyms: backward

1. indicativepresentsingularthird personthird-person singular simple present indicative of backward