How do you pronounce "backward"?

In American English: /ˈbækwɝd/ (BAKW-urd). In British English: /bˈækwəd/ (B-akw). In Canadian English: /ˈbækwɝd/ (BAKW-urd). In Australian English: /bˈakwəd/ (B).

Is "backward" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈbækwɝd/ (BAKW-urd), while in British English it's /bˈækwəd/ (B-akw).

How to Pronounce "backward"

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backward

regional

/ˈbækwɝd/

BAKW-urd

Syllable Breakdown

bækwback·ɝdward

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14