downright 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downrightnext
1
as in abrupt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions that's a downright lie, and you know it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downright

2 of 2

adverb

as in absolutely

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of downright
Adjective
And yet, generations of Americans have come here not despite its eccentricities—and downright aversion to good taste—but because of them, which serves as a reminder that originality, even at its most excessive, never really goes out of style. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 Low water pressure can turn everyday tasks into downright frustrating chores. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026
Adverb
Brett Coomer—Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Advertisement Talarico, by contrast, is downright bland. — Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 But if fossil fuels are politically toxic, livestock is a downright miasma. — Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
  1. abrupt
  2. sheer
  3. absolutely
  4. blunt
  5. utter
  6. cold
  7. short
  8. absolute
Adjective
  • Where the two meet, there is an abrupt right-angle step that may have kept the hand from slipping.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • However, given the fair multiple and stable cash generation, an abrupt collapse is also not the base case.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of abrupt
Adjective
  • The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • Forecasting the Field While Kehlani is a strong contender for the category, the R&B space has absolutely expanded, while seeing the return of some of R&B’s original icons.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
  • So, remember that your diet can absolutely play a role in supporting your focus and energy.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • Fringe can be worn in many ways, from short blunt sides to wispy layers.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Her style is pithy and blunt, avoiding the ornate sentence structure of classical German.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of blunt
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adverb
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Its double-wall insulation can keep your drink cold overnight and, ultimately, for as long as 24 hours.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Its aim is to make rail practical for shipments that are often moved by trucks because conventional freight trains are less flexible on shorter routes.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Smith turned two short catches into dazzling scores, and Sayin connected with tight ends Nate Roberts and Mason Williams for TDs as the Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) opened a 31-10 halftime lead despite some sloppy moments.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • But a low percentage of a rapidly expanding population still produces a rising number of older adults in absolute terms, and that number may continue to rise as the residents who arrived during the past two decades of growth age in place.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Closures should be an absolute last resort — not a response to short-term budget or enrollment pressures.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute

Browse Nearby Words

downpours
downright
downs
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Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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