down·right
ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt 
1
archaic
: straight down
2
: absolutely sense 1a
downright handsome
downright mean
3
obsolete
: forthright
Synonyms of downright
Examples of downright in a Sentence
Adverb
The movie was downright stupid.
It's very difficult, if not downright impossible.
Adjective
rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush
that's a downright lie, and you know it
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
One of the biggest culprits has been slowing job growth, which has become downright anemic in the past year or so.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Sam Amick, New York Times, 25 May 2026
At all The middle distribution of Gen-Z’s feelings about AI range from apprehension to downright hatred.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
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Adverb
The novel moves in mysterious ways, often shocking, sometimes even downright startling.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
One of the biggest culprits has been slowing job growth, which has become downright anemic in the past year or so.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
Unlike Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, when Victor Wembanyama’s 32-footer to force a double overtime was the product of flow state and downright arrogance, his half-court 3-pointer at the end of the first half of Game 4 was born out of desperation and evolution.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 25 May 2026
At all The middle distribution of Gen-Z’s feelings about AI range from apprehension to downright hatred.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downright
1 of 2 adverb
down·right
-ˌrīt
: in a complete and absolute manner
that was downright stupid
downright
2 of 2 adjective1
: absolute sense 3, utter
a downright lie
downrightly
adverb
downrightness
noun
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