1
as in bowed
directed down her downcast gaze made us realize that she was shy

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2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness I'm always a little downcast on rainy days

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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 downcast She’s a housewife, always a bit downcast, or least quiet and reserved. Ben Croll, Variety, 16 Jan. 2023 In one video, irate workers surrounded a silent, downcast manager in a conference room to voice grievances and question their Covid test results. Fortune, 23 Nov. 2022 In one video, irate workers surrounded a silent, downcast manager in a conference room to voice grievances and question their COVID test results. BostonGlobe.com, 23 Nov. 2022 There also is an approach that has proven uplifting during this somewhat downcast time for the Heat. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for downcast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downcast
Adjective
  • No racist stereotypes, no demeaning facial expressions, no bowed heads, and no broken bodies from the old Hollywood.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • The composer also added synths to his orchestral score, as well as bowed metal, where a violin bow is rubbed against metal instruments like a cowbell or a Vibraphone, for when Roz has a particularly intense feeling.
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Now Ortberg’s plan to gradually raise the severely depressed production of its cash cow Max is showing green shoots, but to ensure dominance in the next decade, Boeing’s top chance at besting Airbus is designing and successfully commercializing a totally new and disruptive 737 successor.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Researchers think this effect could buffer against or repair some of the weaker ties between neurons in a depressed brain.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Earnings Guidance Collapse One of the most troubling aspects for investors has been the drastic downward revision of earnings expectations.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • More concerning, however, were downward revisions to April and May’s numbers, suggesting the labor market may be weaker than previously thought.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Things will become much clearer once Jenkins — who is unhappy with his current contract is currently sidelined with a back injury — begins practicing.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Galino is unhappy with how Jimenez is running his territory, and thinks Tommy can help the cartel get into the oil business.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ak’s heartbroken family are still reeling from her death.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • During the ‘54 season, a heartbroken Mack gave his sons, Earle and Roy, permission to sell his beloved team.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • For now, this is DeVries on the job: intent but measured, teeth ready to clamp down on his tongue, establishing standards while also very much trying to make sure his team isn’t miserable from the beginning.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • His Panthers opened the season with two miserable losses, complete with booing from fans in the home opener, and the 23-year-old soon became the first quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the Super Bowl era to be benched for non-injury reasons.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the overriding feeling of the work is melancholy.
    Hugh Morris, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • Anna, an American student at Harvard, falls deeply and unaccountably in love with Christoph, who is on exchange from Germany, in this melancholy début novel.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Downcast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downcast. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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