Skyward: meaning, definitions and examples

☁️
Add to dictionary

skyward

 

[ ˈskaɪwərd ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

looking

directed towards or situated in the sky or upper atmosphere

Synonyms

heavenward, upward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
skyward

This is another instance of 'skyward', which is used similarly to describe something directed towards the sky. Repeated for clarity. See the previous entry.

  • The eagle spread its wings and flew skyward.
  • Smoke from the campfire curled skyward.
upward

This word is more general and can describe any movement in an upward direction. It is not limited to the sky and can refer to physical or metaphorical upward movements.

  • The balloon ascended upward into the clear blue sky.
  • Her career took an upward trajectory after the promotion.
heavenward

This word is often used in a more poetic or religious context, implying a sense of moving toward the heavens or something spiritual.

  • She lifted her eyes heavenward and said a silent prayer.
  • The tower stretched heavenward, touching the clouds.

Examples of usage

  • She gazed skyward, searching for shooting stars.
  • The birds flew skyward, disappearing into the clouds.
Context #2 | Adjective

direction

moving or facing towards the sky

Synonyms

ascending, upward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
skyward

This word is best used to describe something moving or directed towards the sky. It often conveys a sense of direction or motion.

  • The rocket launched skyward with a deafening roar.
  • She pointed skyward to show where the fireworks would be.
upward

This word is suitable for describing a direction moving towards a higher position or level. It's often used in a general or broad context.

  • Smoke from the campfire drifted upward into the starry night.
  • He noticed an upward trend in the stock market.
ascending

This word is ideal for describing a movement that goes upwards or an increase in position, rank, or level. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The hiker spent hours ascending the steep mountain trail.
  • He has been steadily ascending in the company for the last five years.

Examples of usage

  • The skyscraper had a skyward design, with a tall pointed roof.
  • The acrobat performed a skyward leap, reaching for the trapeze.

Translations

Translations of the word "skyward" in other languages:

🇵🇹 para o céu

🇮🇳 आसमान की ओर

🇩🇪 himmelwärts

🇮🇩 ke langit

🇺🇦 до неба

🇵🇱 ku niebu

🇯🇵 空に向かって

🇫🇷 vers le ciel

🇪🇸 hacia el cielo

🇹🇷 gökyüzüne doğru

🇰🇷 하늘로

🇸🇦 نحو السماء

🇨🇿 k nebi

🇸🇰 k nebu

🇨🇳 朝天空

🇸🇮 proti nebu

🇮🇸 til himins

🇰🇿 аспанға қарай

🇬🇪 ცისკენ

🇦🇿 göyə doğru

🇲🇽 hacia el cielo

Etymology

The word 'skyward' originated from the combination of 'sky' and the suffix '-ward,' which means 'in the direction of.' The term has been used in English since the 16th century to describe things that are directed towards or situated in the sky or upper atmosphere.

See also: sky, skyborne, skydiver, skydivers, skyjack, skylight, skyline, skywards.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,253, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.