Northward-Northwards | Commonly Confused Words
Learn languages with fun

Master confusing words with ease

Northward vs. Northwards

Northward

Moving or directed towards the north

Examples:

The compass needle pointed northward as they set sail.Farmers migrated northward seeking fertile land.The flock of geese flew northward as winter ended.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Northwards

/ˈnɔːθwədz/
In the direction toward the north

Examples:

The river flows steadily northwards every spring.Birds migrate northwards as the climate warms.Cities expand northwards with new developments.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Both northward and northwards imply movement towards the north direction.
  • Northward is often used when referring more generally to the direction without focusing on the process of moving.
  • Northwards tends to emphasize the movement or journey towards the north.
  • Remember that words ending in -ward can be more commonly used in American English, while -wards is often seen in British English.
  • The choice between the two can also be based on what sounds more natural in the context of a sentence.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd