What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skyward
Example
The bird flew skyward, disappearing into the clouds. [skyward: adverb]
Example
The skyscraper towered skyward, dominating the city skyline. [skyward: adjective]
upward
Example
The hiker climbed upward along the steep trail. [upward: adverb]
Example
The company's profits have been steadily increasing upward for the past year. [upward: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upward is more commonly used than skyward in everyday language. Upward is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while skyward is less common and is often used in more specific or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skyward and upward?
Both skyward and upward are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.