DOWNRIGHT Synonyms: 221 Similar and Opposite Words

downright 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downright

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

The humidity becomes downright oppressive on Friday in the Philadelphia region and stays like that through the evening. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 12 June 2026 The superstar singer walked into Madison Square Garden Wednesday night for the Knicks-Spurs game wearing a shirt that expressed colorful allegiance to the New York team and downright affection for singer Stevie Nicks, one of her musical role models. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

Adverb

Yet the public messaging regarding news about the outbreak has been severely lacking and downright confusing. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 July 2026 Doing it for a guy who was closer to average last year and got outplayed by his backup is probably downright foolish. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for downright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright

Adjective

This abrupt transition from rest to constant stimulation leads to mental clutter.

— Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
If selling stars has taken the headlines, this summer has also seen an abrupt change in Newcastle’s buying plans.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Cyrus’ flawless-looking skin was in part thanks to the Maybelline New York Lifter Plump and Glow Foundation, a sheer base that can be built up for more coverage.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
For her main ensemble, the Catwoman star wore head-to-toe black, including a strappy triangle bikini layered beneath a semi-sheer coverup that doubled as a minidress.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

But critics say the changes aim to solve problems that either don’t exist or don’t require such a blunt-force tool.

— Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
The autopsy report determined that both young women died from multiple sharp force injuries, with additional contributors to Kaylee’s death including blunt force injuries of the head and asphyxial injuries.

— Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

The violence of the newborn micrometeoroid's exile was followed by an epoch of utter silence, as its orbit was subtly influenced by the unseen forces of the solar system.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026
The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of utter

Adverb

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
In 2018 the federation cold-messaged a Dublin bank worker named Roberto Lopes on LinkedIn, a part-time defender with Cape Verdean roots.

— André Martin, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

Lavish in convenience, the property is a short walk away to the Bedford Avenue subway stop, the vast and lively McCarren Park, and close to the border of the ever-evolving Greenpoint neighborhood.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
The new short film by writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal will premiere at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Gary had the punchout on Mafah that served as the big highlight, but Ezeiruaku was moving with absolute ease off the edge in generating pressure on Prescott.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026

Definition of absolute

Browse Nearby Words

downpours

downright

downs

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of downright

adjective

adverb

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