as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel
the downy surface of a ripe peach
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Recent Examples of downy
Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
—
Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Instead, it was strangely decorated with long downy feathers—making the newborn bird look like a dangerous caterpillar.
—Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Jackie has over 7,000 waterproof feathers on her body that help keep her dry and downy feathers that keep her warm, Steers previously said.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downy
Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Instead, it was strangely decorated with long downy feathers—making the newborn bird look like a dangerous caterpillar.
—Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Jackie has over 7,000 waterproof feathers on her body that help keep her dry and downy feathers that keep her warm, Steers previously said.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downy
Adjective
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Victoria Beckham’s kajal eyeliner—whether in a bronze, cobalt, or bordeaux hues—plush a wash of Tom Ford’s silky eyeshadow quad will add a bit of flair to les yeux.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
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Made from 100 percent Peruvian pima cotton, the tank has a light, silky texture that feels like a cool hug on a hot day.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Many also note that the material gets softer with routine laundry care.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downy. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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