The antonyms for the phrase "forward marches" include a range of words and phrases that suggest stillness, retreat, or standing in place. Some antonyms might include "halt," "stop," "turn back," or "fall behind." Other possibilities might include words like "inertia," "stagnation," "languish," or "stuck." These antonyms imply a lack of progress or forward movement, instead suggesting a state of being trapped or held back. Of course, these antonyms aren't always negative; sometimes we need to pause or take a step back before moving forward again. But overall, "forward marches" suggests a sense of momentum and progress, while its antonyms imply the opposite.