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
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
Rick Bennett, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Fear of failure Failure can be disheartening, embarrassing and often downright devastating — especially in entrepreneurship, when your reputation and finances could be on the line.
—Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
But there's also name-calling, bullying and downright cruelty that's taking a toll on all of us.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
How often have you been inconvenienced or downright victimized by cybercrime?
—Rick Bennett, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Fear of failure Failure can be disheartening, embarrassing and often downright devastating — especially in entrepreneurship, when your reputation and finances could be on the line.
—Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
On the opposite end, a summertime dew point in the 40s or 50s can feel downright desert-like.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
But there's also name-calling, bullying and downright cruelty that's taking a toll on all of us.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
-
Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Her attendance had been uncertain following her abrupt withdrawal from the funeral of the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday due to acute sinusitis.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Here was the postwar American housewife—neatly dressed, pretty, poised, active—stepping unwittingly into a scene of utter depravity and sadism that reflected back at this wholesome young mother the darkest recesses of the human mind.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Such comments demonstrate his utter disregard for and distrust of law enforcement and our legal process.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Malcolm is absolutely a kinder, more compassionate man than his father.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The dry down is where this fragrance stands apart however, with the dark cocoa and chocolate oud creating a sultry, feminine energy that’s absolutely captivating.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Maron, who’s become an increasingly vocal critic of comedians who inadvertently, or outwardly, cater to the right, shared a particularly blunt video on TikTok that was at once a dire warning and a call to action.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Manchin’s media appearances to promote his book have already made headlines with quintessential blunt talk about his snub of former Vice President Kamala Harris and willingness to torch his old party.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The strapless corset gown had a sheer illusion jacket embellished with pearls, and was paired with a cathedral veil.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Clad in a chain-mail dress with sheer stripes and waist-length hair, Wilson's appearance during the Chris Habana show was greeted with raucous applause.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 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
-
The conglomerate, which often aligns itself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development goals and controls vast swathes of India’s infrastructure sector, is yet to fully recover from the market value erosion caused by the short seller’s accusations.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
In short, this is a definitive shmup and comes highly recommended.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In the thermal vacuum (TVAC), the duo battled with the punishing extremes of space — intense heat, bitter cold, and the absolute vacuum — within a specialized chamber on Earth.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Jacobs has been an absolute star since joining the Packers.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share