on 1 of 3

preposition

ˈȯn How to pronounce on (audio)
Definition of onnext
1
as in toward
having to do with books on sports heroes are my favorite reading matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in against
in or into contact with don't lean on that ladder—you'll knock it over

Synonyms & Similar Words

on

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in forward
toward a point ahead in space or time we really must move on now if we're going to end this meeting before midnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in along
toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time he's getting on in years and doesn't see or hear as well as he used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on

3 of 3

adjective

as in operating
being in effective operation please don't leave the sanding machine on if you're not going to be near it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of on
Preposition
The Democratic National Committee is expected to vote on Saturday to approve the new order of states for the 2028 presidential nominating process as progressives and moderates grapple over the party's direction in the midterms. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 While black bears are known to inhabit nearly every town in Connecticut, they are concentrated more heavily in the western half of the state, and both DEEP and the research team have focused their efforts on studying that population of bears. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 With Taylor trying to show different looks on offense, Burrow was under center on the first four plays and seven overall. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 The price of Europe’s benchmark natural gas contract settled at €61 ($70) per megawatt hour on Wednesday, well above the €32 ($37) logged on the same day in 2025, according to Intercontinental Exchange data. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for on
  1. toward
  2. against
  3. forward
  4. along
  5. operating
  6. regarding
  7. upon
  8. forth
Preposition
  • The crowd skews toward couples and grown families in fleece, denim, and sneakers, here for quiet quality time or days packed with adventure.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to the season is when teams shift from building towards the demands of competitive football to trying to replicate them, while giving as many players as possible that experience.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of toward
Preposition
  • Summit captain Janine Sonis scored the winning goal late in stoppage time and had an assist against the Royals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • After his rep against defensive end Odafe Oweh, Tunsil grabbed his left arm and crouched in obvious pain.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of against
Adverb
  • The City of Ripon is moving forward with an ordinance aimed at protecting an endangered species by prohibiting people from feeding feral cats and stray animals on public property.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • McAtee also created a chance for himself, winning possession in midfield before driving forward and seeing a shot deflected wide.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of forward
Adverb
  • The scene gives us little, just Porsha telling NeNe the itinerary, showing her some clothes, and then moving right along.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The bread machine works on a timer and hums along at its regular pace.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of along
Adjective
  • That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
  • True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Definition of operating
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of regarding
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adverb
  • That plate went back and forth through the hedges between our houses for years.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • However, sources indicate the issue was mainly verbal, with insults tossed back and forth.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of forth

Phrases Containing on

Browse Nearby Words

omphalos
on
on account of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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