downward 1 of 2

as in bowed
directed down fishermen keep watch for the downward plunge of seabirds diving for food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or downwards
as in down
toward or in a lower position at this point the river flows gently downward to the sea

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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 downward
Adjective
Stock indexes continued their downward trend, though not as steeply, on Monday and Tuesday, and in response to the Trump administration further jacking up tariffs on Chinese imports, China is reportedly considering reducing or banning U.S. films from the country. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025 The broader economy was already on shaky terrain due to fears over Trump's economic policy and the sweeping changes ushered in by the Republican administration's trade stances that could charge downward consumer sentiment. James Powel, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The bones lined up such that the end of the mosasaur’s tail is turned downward. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025 For arms and legs, work in short, gentle strokes or small circular motions, and on your torso, glide downward toward your lymph nodes for optimal drainage. Allure, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward
Adjective
  • 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
  • Jeremy Strong forwent a classic suit and tie in favor of a bowed necktie, giving his tailored look the perfect dash of whimsy.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 June 2024
Adverb
  • But Trump's net approval on his handling of the economy was -12 percentage points, according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll, down from -7 the week prior and +12 at the beginning of the term.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Minnesota was down by 15 points when Edwards took a pass from Julius Randle, gathered himself and attacked the basket.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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