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

And yet, generations of Americans have come here not despite its eccentricities—and downright aversion to good taste—but because of them, which serves as a reminder that originality, even at its most excessive, never really goes out of style. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 Low water pressure can turn everyday tasks into downright frustrating chores. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026

Adverb

These are eight facts about women in medical research that are downright insane, infuriating and, in some cases, just unbelievable. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026 Senga, once billed as the staff ace, has been downright dismal this season as a starter. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright

Adjective

Too often, the forceful arguments of Rankine and her peers—and the electric anger of the George Floyd protests—were used by the opportunistic and aggrieved to justify abrupt changes to unprepared institutions.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The White House’s abrupt decision last week to ease tariffs on 300,000 metric tons — more than 660 million pounds — of foreign beef imports has infuriated American cattle ranchers and congressional Republicans alike.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

The facts of his biography, no matter how outrageous, could not possibly explain the sheer derangement of his output.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
This means investor scrutiny will extend beyond the sheer scale of AI investment to encompass debt burdens, capital costs, and return timelines.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

The veteran broadcaster, who revolutionized radio with his blunt conversations and is well-regarded for his in-depth celebrity interviews with A-list stars, first made the jump to SiriusXM in 2006.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Round or blunt toes were better suited to long days working the ranch.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.

— Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

West Suburban closed in March, after the hospital’s CEO said problems with the billing systems left the hospital short on cash.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Messages of greater than 100 words were more likely to receive a quick reply than short messages of 4-25 words.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Almost all have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
This perfume features notes of cacao absolute and caramel, along with green hazelnut, jasmine sambac absolute, cedarwood, ambroxan, and moss providing a nutty and earthy element, too.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of absolute

Browse Nearby Words

downpours

downright

downs

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Style

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of downright

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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