Definition of "toward" []

• In the direction of: driving toward home. (preposition)
• In a position facing: had his back toward me. (preposition)
• Somewhat before in time: It began to rain toward morning. (preposition)
• With regard to; in relation to: an optimistic attitude toward the future. (preposition)
• In furtherance or partial fulfillment of: contributed five dollars toward the bill. (preposition)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "At present everything seems tending toward the relaxation of ties, —toward the substitution of wayward choice for the adherence to obligation, which has its roots in the past."
• "I could not help being moved, and glanced over toward the daughter's seat; but she was gone, and, turning round, I saw her going quietly, almost stealthily, and very quickly, _toward the cove_."
• ""Peddler" could be just what it takes to get the wheels turning on a rethink of gender expectations in commitment, and also a label toward which some men may not want to steer, so instead, put on the breaks."