toward the back or rear.

with the back foremost.

in the reverse of the usual or right way

counting backward from 100.

toward the past

to look backward over one's earlier mistakes.

toward a less advanced state; retrogressively

Since the overthrow of the president the country has moved steadily backward.

directed toward the back or past.

reversed; returning

a backward movement; a backward journey.

behind in time or progress; late; slow

a backward learner; a backward country.

bashful or hesitant; shy

a backward lover.

backward and forward

thoroughly

He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also, backwards and forwards.

adjective

ahead , forward , to the front , aggressive , precocious , unshy , developing , fast , intelligent , smart

adverb

forward

adjective

astern , behind , inverted , rearward , regressive , retrograde , afraid , averse , demure , diffident , disinclined , hesitant , hesitating , humble , indisposed , late , loath , modest , reluctant , reserved , retiring , shy , sluggish , tardy , timid , uneager , unwilling , wavering , arrested , checked , delayed , dense , dull , feeble-minded , imbecile , moronic , stupid , subnormal , underdeveloped , underprivileged , undeveloped , retrogressive , bashful , coy , self-effacing , benighted , primitive , unenlightened , simple , simple-minded , slow , slow-witted , lagging , deprived , disadvantaged , impoverished , conservative , reactionary

adverb

aback , abaft , about , astern , back , behind , in reverse , inverted , rearward , turned around , around , backwards , round , arear , bashful , behindhand , dense , diffident , dimwitted , dull , fro , hesitant , laggard , loath , reactionary , recessive , regressive , reluctant , remedial , retarded , retral , retrograde , retrogressive , retrospective , reverse , shy , slow , sluggish , stupid , unapt , undeveloped , unprogressive , unwilling , withdrawn