downright 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downrightnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions that's a downright lie, and you know it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downright

2 of 2

adverb

as in absolutely

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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
Teslas lifestyle products range from traditional and practical merch to downright bizarre items since most Americans recognize it as a car brand. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 July 2026 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
Adverb
Guests can choose from four- or seven-course tasting menus, or simply go à la carte—the starter of tuna, beetroot, and yuzu, followed by the handmade macaroni with Eritrea beef, are downright exceptional. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Medical bills are often impenetrable documents littered with complex codes and terminology, and sorting through charges and details about insurance coverage can feel intimidating, if not downright paralyzing. — Jennifer Schlinger, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
  1. abrupt
  2. sheer
  3. absolutely
  4. blunt
  5. utter
  6. cold
  7. short
  8. absolute
Adjective
  • The minutes had passed so quickly for the rest of the world, but for the families waiting to learn whether their children were alive, the abrupt end of the gunfire wasn’t the end of their agony.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Bass, for instance, oversaw the reappointment of McDonnell’s predecessor, Michel Moore, shortly after her election and stood by him for a year before Moore’s abrupt resignation in early 2024.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of abrupt
Adjective
  • Meaning while its performance numbers may not draw in huge crowds, its sheer exclusivity might just do the trick.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The light turquoise gown was crafted from sheer fabric with floral embroidery throughout the design.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • The regular season as a whole will absolutely lose some juice.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a big data center that just came to my community not long ago and their community engagement was horrible, absolutely horrible.
    — Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • Fringe can be worn in many ways, from short blunt sides to wispy layers.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Her style is pithy and blunt, avoiding the ornate sentence structure of classical German.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of blunt
Adjective
  • Popular at American Chinese or Cajun-style Chinese restaurants, the sticky-sweet chicken is the utter definition of delicious, luring weary shoppers into food courts to find refuge from the bubblegum pink sweatpants and ripped denim.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adverb
  • This microscopic cold-working process locks the joint into a permanent, leak-tight seal.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Its filler entries are also quite chewy and enjoyable — a lot of short clues for long answers, especially running down.
    — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Seminoles capitalize, take lead The Seminoles lead after an Ashton Daniels 28-yard TD to Quintrevion Wisner, capitalizing on the short field following Miami’s turnover on downs.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • Why were the conspiracy theorists about Courtney Love so inclined to believe the absolute worst about her?
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson was an absolute fantasy monster with Harrison off the field last season, so his main concern becomes the inevitable QB switch to rookie Carson Beck.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute

Browse Nearby Words

downpours
downright
downs
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Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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