# backwards

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈbækwɜːdz/ · frequency rank #6,655

## Definitions
1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

## Etymology
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).

## Easily confused with
- **backyard** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backwards-vs-backyard)
- **backwoods** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backwards-vs-backwoods)
- **backward** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backward-vs-backwards)

## Common misspellings (15)
`abckwards`, `bacckwards`, `backawrds`, `backkwards`, `backwadrs`, `backwardds`, `backwardss`, `backwarrds`, `backwarsd`, `backwrads`, `backwwards`, `bacwkards`, `bakcwards`, `bbackwards`, `bcakwards`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backwards