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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions
that's a downright lie, and you know it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in absolutely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025
While hearing other people’s experiences on TikTok and Instagram can be helpful and occasionally empowering, some of the advice out there is downright misleading, Gomez says.
—Tatiana Walk-Morris, Vox, 20 Feb. 2025
Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025
Bobby Orr’s feats as a defenseman, meanwhile, always seemed downright impossible, with 915 points in just 657 games, three Harts and eight Norris trophies.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
Men have been rocking smaller watches in general and celebrities have really emphasized the trend by going even smaller with downright ultra-small watches that are, in some cases, straight-up women’s timepieces.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025
While hearing other people’s experiences on TikTok and Instagram can be helpful and occasionally empowering, some of the advice out there is downright misleading, Gomez says.
—Tatiana Walk-Morris, Vox, 20 Feb. 2025
Adverb
This baked broccoli recipe is easy and downright delicious with crispy cheesy pieces and florets that get nice and toasted.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025
Bobby Orr’s feats as a defenseman, meanwhile, always seemed downright impossible, with 915 points in just 657 games, three Harts and eight Norris trophies.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
-
With his initial burst, Sanders can maneuver through gaps with abrupt hands/feet or change the line of scrimmage by quickly getting into a blocker’s chest.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Early action scenes are told in strangely oblique ways, with gunfire erupting off-screen (but little carnage shown) or else via abrupt cuts, filled in later by ultra-violent flashbacks.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Talk about the low of the low, what utter scumbags.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
But sometimes, such as in crosswalks during peak commuting times, that order turns to utter chaos.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Aside from leaving absolutely zero white cast behind, the formula features several skin-loving ingredients (think aloe leaf water, niacinamide, witch hazel, and vitamin E).—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
23 Apr. 2025
-
This is absolutely possible–but only if Russia agrees and stops the killing.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
All four were pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, Allmon said.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
One of the men, Terry Carter, would die from multiple blunt force injuries within the hour.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Teams from outside England also seem to struggle with Arsenal’s sheer athleticism — certainly Real Madrid struggled to keep pace with their physical output in the quarter-final.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Plus, that sheer wash of pigment makes for a great first step in your makeup routine.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
This time, the idea of a comeback stopped Canada cold.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
11 Apr. 2025
-
During a 2021 cold snap in Texas, more than 12,100 turtles were cold-stunned.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
After a short ceremony, the church will open to the public from: Wednesday: 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday: 7 a.m. to midnight Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Letters to the editor are usually short and to the point.—
Elizabeth Keifer,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But a) there are simply so many other Chappell Roan songs that are better suited for an EDM remix, if such a thing must exist, and b) the remix is an absolute affront to God.—
James Factora,
Them.,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Additionally, the analyst believes the stock is trading at an attractive level, consistent with its past three-year average in absolute terms and relative to the S & P 500.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share